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, only slightly exceeds 830 birds as of 2025.This includes about 560 individuals in the remnant population that migrates between coastal Texas, USA, and the Northwest Territories, Canada, which is termed the "Aransas-Wood Buffalo Population" after the protected areas that anchor the population's wintering and breeding ranges, respectively. Additionally, there are about 140 individuals in two reintroduced populations breeding in Wisconsin and Louisiana, USA, and an additional 130 individuals in captivity.
Region
North America
Typical Environment
The core wild population breeds in boreal wetlands of Wood Buffalo National Park (Canada) and winters in coastal marshes centered on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas (USA). Reintroduced populations occur in the upper Midwest (breeding in Wisconsin with wintering sites in the southeastern USA) and a non-migratory flock in southwestern Louisiana. During migration, birds use prairie potholes, riverine stopovers, and agricultural fields across the Great Plains and Mississippi Flyway. Typical habitats include shallow freshwater marshes, wet meadows, tidal flats, and brackish coastal estuaries.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The whooping crane is North America’s tallest bird and one of its rarest. Its resonant, bugling “whoop” carries for kilometers, especially during pair duets that reinforce lifelong bonds. Intensive conservation—captive breeding, reintroduction, and habitat protection—has pulled the species back from a low of just 21 wild birds in 1941. It remains conservation-dependent and highly sensitive to wetland loss and human disturbance along its flyways.
Whooping crane in flight
Whooping cranes breed in marshes.
At Calgary Zoo, Alberta
A whooping crane foraging on a cattle ranch in Osceola County, Florida.
Head of a whooping crane in Florida.
In 1957, the whooping crane was featured on a U.S. postage stamp supporting wildlife conservation.
Young whooping cranes destined for the Eastern Migratory Population of reintroduced birds completing their first migration, from Wisconsin to Florida, in January 2009, following an ultralight aircraft.
Temperament
wary and territorial during breeding, social in winter flocks
Flight Pattern
strong flier and soaring glider, often using thermals with steady, powerful wingbeats and outstretched neck
Social Behavior
Whooping cranes form long-term pair bonds and perform elaborate courtship dances. Nests are built in remote wetlands, where pairs defend territories vigorously and typically raise one chick. Outside the breeding season, they gather in small family groups and loose flocks at rich feeding sites.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are loud, resonant bugles that carry over long distances, often given in antiphonal duets by mated pairs. Contact calls and alarm notes are sharper and shorter, especially at nests or when disturbed.
