Whooping Crane
Grus americana
The Whooping Crane (Grus americana) is a uncommon cran found in 2 countries, weighing about 5.8 kg. The whooping crane is an endangered crane species, native to North America, named for its "whooping" calls.
About the Whooping Crane
The whooping crane is an endangered crane species, native to North America, named for its "whooping" calls. Along with the sandhill crane, it is one of only two crane species native to North America, and it is also the tallest North American bird species, with an estimated 22–30+ year life expectancy in the wild. After being pushed to the brink of extinction by unregulated hunting and loss of habitat that left just 21 wild cranes by 1941, the whooping crane made a partial recovery through conservation efforts. The total number of cranes in the surviving migratory population, plus three reintroduced flocks and in-captivity, is just over 830 birds as of 2025. This includes about 560…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
An adult whooping crane is white with a red crown and a long, dark, pointed bill. However, immature whooping cranes are cinnamon brown. While in flight, their long necks are kept straight and their long dark legs trail behind. Adult whooping cranes' black wing tips are visible during flight. Voice: Their calls are loud and can carry several kilometers. They express "guard calls", apparently to warn their partner about any potential danger. A crane pair jointly calls rhythmically ("unison call") after waking in the early morning, after courtship, and when defending their territory.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, October, November, December, with peak activity in December. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.
Watch the Whooping Crane on live cams
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Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Whooping Crane?
- An adult whooping crane is white with a red crown and a long, dark, pointed bill. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Whooping Crane?
- The Whooping Crane is a huge sized bird weighing about 5.8 kg.
- Where can you see a Whooping Crane?
- The Whooping Crane occurs in 2 countries, including the United States and Canada.
- What birds look similar to a Whooping Crane?
- The Whooping Crane is most easily confused with the Hooded Crane, the Black-necked Crane and the Red-crowned Crane.
- Is the Whooping Crane endangered?
- The Whooping Crane is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Whooping Crane for real
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