The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in North America and one of the rarest birds in the world — the wild population reached just 15 birds in 1941 but has recovered to around 500 through intensive management. Its pure-white plumage with black wingtips and red crown make it unmistakable. An ultralight-aircraft-led migration program successfully established a new migratory flock.
Best time to see a Whooping Crane
The best time to see a Whooping Crane is November–February, when about 68% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,269 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Whooping Crane? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Whooping Crane sightings near you
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