Whooping Crane
Image: Karen Burns Ball (cc0)
NameWhooping Crane
Common NameWhooping Crane
Scientific NameGrus americana
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)220
Length (cm)145
Weight (g)6150
Plumage DetailsAdult Whooping Cranes have brilliant white body plumage with contrasting black primary feathers, which are most visible during flight. They possess a bare red crown and malar patch (cheeks), a dark bill, and long dark legs. Juveniles are mottled with cinnamon and white feathers.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, resonant, bugle-like call, often described as a 'whooping' sound, which can carry for long distances. They also produce various guttural calls, hisses, and purrs, especially during courtship and territorial displays.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, prairies, agricultural fields, coastal salt marshes
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeThe primary wild population breeds in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, and migrates to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas coast for winter. Reintroduced non-migratory populations exist in Florida, and migratory populations are being established in the eastern United States.
Identifying Featurestall stature (largest North American bird), all-white body plumage (adults), black primary wing feathers (visible in flight and sometimes at rest), red crown and malar patch, long dark legs, long dark pointed bill, distinctive bugling call
Description
The Whooping Crane is a majestic, tall wading bird, easily distinguished by its striking white plumage and black wingtips. It primarily forages in shallow wetlands, marshes, and agricultural fields, often seen probing for food with its long bill. This species is highly migratory, undertaking long journeys between breeding and wintering grounds.
