Whooping Crane
NameWhooping Crane
Common NameWhooping Crane
Scientific NameGrus americana
FamilyGruidae
Wingspan (cm)220
Length (cm)145
Weight (g)6150
Plumage DetailsAdults have entirely white body plumage, except for black primary feathers visible in flight. The head features a bare, reddish crown and malar stripe, with black feathering around the eyes and lores. The bill is long and dark, and the eyes are yellowish-orange.
Vocalization / CallLoud, resonant, trumpet-like bugling calls, often described as a 'whooping' sound, which can be heard over long distances.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetlands, marshes, prairies, agricultural fields, coastal estuaries
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeThe primary wild population breeds in Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada, and winters at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas coast. Several reintroduced non-migratory and migratory populations exist in the eastern and midwestern United States.
Identifying Featurestallest bird in North America, all-white body plumage (except black primaries), bare red crown and facial skin, black facial markings, long, dark, pointed bill, yellowish-orange eyes
Description
The Whooping Crane is North America's tallest bird, known for its striking white plumage and loud, bugling calls. It is a highly migratory species, breeding in northern wetlands and wintering in coastal marshes.
