How to Spot a Whooping Crane

Whooping Cranes are an endangered species with a small population in North America, so it's not easy to spot one, but here's what to look for when you're bird watching in Whooping Crane territory.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Look for the Whooping Crane in its preferred habitats and range. In the summer during breeding season, you'll find the Whooping Crane in the Northwest Territories in Canada. In the winter, look for the Whooping Crane along the Gulf Coast of Texas. Habitats preferred by the Whooping Crane include marshes, lagoons, lakes and prairies.

2. Marvel at the very large size of the Whooping Crane, the largest bird in North America. Heights range from 52 to 59 inches, with wingspans up to 90 inches. These unusual birds weigh up to 275 oz.

3. Observe the appearance of the Whooping Crane. They are white, except for red coloring on the top of the head and face, and the black mask around their eyes. Their legs are very long and gray colored, and the neck is long as well. The Whooping Crane's long wings have black feathers on their tips and their short tails have a covering of tufted feathers.

4. Listen to the very loud and distinctive trumpet-like call of the Whooping Crane on What Bird. (See Resources for a link.) In the wild, you can hear this sound even when you are several miles away from a Whooping Crane.

5. Watch the Whooping Crane in flight. Direct flyers, the Whooping Crane exhibits a very quick upward wing beat and a deliberate slow downward wing beat. While migrating, look for Whooping Cranes in a V-formation.

Tips & Warnings

• During courtship, look for the Whooping Crane performing a very distinctive dance that includes leaping and the tossing of its head.
• Male Whooping Cranes are slightly larger than females, but have a similar appearance.

Resources

• See a picture of the Whooping Crane and listen to their call.