Whooping Crane
Image: Jim Wilson (cc-by-nc)
NameWhooping Crane
Common NameWhooping Crane
Scientific NameGrus americana
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)220
Length (cm)145
Weight (g)6000
Plumage DetailsAdults have predominantly pure white body plumage, with black primary feathers that are conspicuous during flight. They possess a bare red crown and a black patch on the face extending from the bill to the eye. The bill is yellowish-olive, and legs are dark.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, bugle-like 'whooping' call, which is often given in unison by pairs and can be heard over long distances.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, prairies, agricultural fields, coastal marshes
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeBreeds in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, and winters primarily in coastal marshes of Texas (Aransas National Wildlife Refuge). Reintroduced non-migratory populations exist in Florida, and a migratory eastern population has been established in Wisconsin.
Identifying Featureslarge size, all-white body plumage (except black primaries in flight), bare red crown, black facial patch, long legs, long neck, distinctive whooping call
Description
The Whooping Crane is North America's tallest bird, characterized by its striking white plumage, long legs, and long neck. These elegant birds forage in wetlands and fields, often probing the ground with their bills for food. They are highly migratory, traveling long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
