Whooping cranes are another species of cranes. their species are currently endangered, with a population of about 70 birds. They're population fell to about 20 in the 1940s but has been slowly going up and down since then. They aee the tallest bird in north america, they are usually about 5 ft. tall. they weigh about 15 lbs. and theyre wingspan and be up to 7ft. wide.

Habitat

The whooping cranes spend their winters on the gulf coast, mostly in texas, then makes their way up to canada to mate and breed. while in canada they stay by rivers and marshes, perfering a wetland habitat. Meanwhile in texas they hang out in shallow waters and bays and sometimes make their way over to farmers crop feilds.

Nesting

Whooping cranes nest similarly to the sandhills, they uses whatever is around swampy areas to build nests that are anywhere from 2 - 5ft. across and are flat on the top with a small divet for the eggs. They lay 1 - 3 eggs at a time and they are a light brown with darker spots on them. They incubate for about 30 days and when the chicks hatch they are already able to swim and walk in just a few hours.

Food

Whooping cranes eat invertibrets and small vertebrates, plants they find on the ground or in shallow waters, also, insects, berries, and seeds. although their diet will change while migrating. while theyre on the coast theyll mostly eat plants and small water creatures, but in canada they like things like frogs, snakes, mice, and berries.

Other things

Whooping cranes mostly mate for life, pairing up when they are arounf 2 or 3. New pairs set up their 'home' close to ones parents for a few years before finding a new area. They do similar dances as the sandhills, flapping their wings and jumping up and down to show off to other cranes and their partner. Males are usually the ones to protect they mates and eggs. They flap their wings, chase, hiss, and even stab with their beaks at anything who poses a threat to their families. Whooping cranes are not known to have one way to live and migrate, some stay alone, or with a mate, others stay in flocks of up to seven and sometimes migrate with the sandhills. They never sit in trees (but theyre 5 ft. tall so i guess that makes sense)

Conservation

Whooping cranes are currently endangered because of habit loss, overhunting, and climate change. They benefited from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1916 but when their population spiked finally, it didnt stay for long after reintroducing them in the wild in the 40s. causing their population to fall again, leaving the at about 70 currently. Their population is not currently declining but numbers arent going up either. Conservation communties are working hard to save them their species and bring light to their situation. saving cranes.org