U.S. Wildlife officials counted 149 whooping cranes in November 1995, the most since the American government began taking censuses in the 1930s.
In the late 1800s, there were about 1,500 birds in the aspen parkland and prairie regions of Western Canada and the U.S. As human settlement spread westward, the world population dropped to a low of 14-16 in the 1940s.
Species Habitat
In late April, cranes arrive at their breeding area in Wood Buffalo National Park.
By the end of September, the whooper's leave for the 2,500 miles flight south to the Aransas National Wildlife Range in Texas.
Risks to the Species
The number one cause of death of adult cranes is collisions with power lines during migration. Other factors include industrial, agricultural and recreational developments which encroach on wintering and migration rest areas.
Whooper's are the tallest of all birds in North America. An adult male stands 1.5 m tall, weighs as much as 7.5 kg, and has a wingspan up to 2.5 m wide. Despite their size, cranes average a flight speed of about 25 mph.
Species Breeding Habits
Whooping cranes mate for life. In early spring, adults display elaborate courtship rituals, bobbing, weaving, jumping and calling with their mates. The female lays two large eggs and both adults incubate them for the next month. The eggs hatch at different times and the second chick is often pushed out of the nest or starved. Chicks can swim as soon as they hatch. They can fly within 80-90 days.
Species Lifespan
The Whooping Crane can live up to 24 years old in the wild.
