What do whooping cranes look like

Since , the Canadian Wildlife Service and the U. Fish and Wildlife Service began captive breeding and reintroduction programs, and as of there are four wild populations totalling cranes, including three reintroduced populations in the eastern U. During their summer breeding season, whooping cranes inhabit areas with poorly drained soil, with wetlands or shallow ponds separated by narrow ridges where trees such as white and black spruce and tamarack grow.

Large nests are usually built in shallow water. The male and female build the nest by making a pile of vegetation and then compacting it. In their Texan wintering ground, the birds can be found in tidal flats, shallow bays and estuarine marshes along the coast. Whooping cranes are an omnivorous bird species, eating a variety of animals and plants.

On their breeding grounds in Canada they primarily eat snails, crustaceans, aquatic insects, minnows, frogs and snakes. During migration, birds sometimes feed on waste grains from fields, such as barley, wheat and corn. They are often found in large flocks. American White Ibis have long necks and legs that are extended in flight, but they have a long, curved bill.

The wings have only a small patch of black on the wingtips and reach only 3 feet in wingspan. Wood Storks have long necks and legs that are extended in flight; however, the black on the wings extends all the way to the body. Black may also be visible on the neck and the tail. They flap slowly, glide, and soar.

To identify the birds, click on each photo to enlarge. Have you figured out how to identify a whooper? Test your knowledge! Find one or more pictures that you think show Whooping Cranes. Click on the picture to see if you are right! Now that you are more knowledgeable about identifying Whooping Cranes, we need your help. If you are certain that you have spotted a Whooping Crane, please report it. Your information, along with that submitted by others helps us to keep tabs on the Whoopers. First, read How to Report Sightings.

Then you can call Texas or send them an email at: tracker tpwd. All rights reserved. Common Name: Whooping cranes. Scientific Name: Grus americana. Type: Birds. Diet: Omnivore. Size: Body: 4. Weight: Size relative to a 6-ft man:.

Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Increasing. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.

Share Tweet Email. Explore More. Wetlands, marshes, mudflats, wet prairies, and fields are all home to whooping cranes. Common Name: Whooping cranes. Scientific Name: Grus americana.

Type: Birds. Diet: Omnivore.