The Whooping Crane is a very tall bird with long black legs, a neck, and a long straight black beak. It is a rare bird species and a long-living bird in Canadian wildlife. These cranes typically mate for life and return to their same nesting territory each year to raise new chicks.
The whooping crane is an iconic species in Canada, with a small migratory population. These birds migrate and cover large distances while increasing the beauty of the Canadian sky with their flight.
Physical Characteristics and Features
The attractive and distinctive physical characteristics of this species which catch the attention of tourists are;
Features | Relevant Information |
Scientific Name | Grus americana |
Life Span | Average is 22 – 25 years but most can live up to 30 years |
Diet | Plants, Berries, Small insects, Frogs, Rodents and Grains |
Height | Close to 1.5 meters |
Average Weight | Males have about 7.3 kg Females have about 6.2 kg |
Habitat | Freshwater habitat, Wetlands, and areas with grasses and shrubs |
Status of specie | Endangered |
Interesting Facts About Whooping Crane in Canada
Following is a list of some fascinating facts about this rare bird that would make the sightseeing interesting for you;
1. Unique Dance
These cranes perform a delicate dance involving leaping, bowing, and spreading their wings. This dance helps them attract mates and strengthen their pair bond.
2. Migratory Birds
Whooping cranes are migratory birds. They breed in the wetlands of Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada and migrate over 2,500 miles to their wintering grounds along the Gulf Coast of Texas.
3. Distinctive Call
The whooping crane gets its name from its distinct, loud, and whooping call. This call can be heard from miles away and is used for communication and territorial purposes.
4. Parental Care
The chicks remain with their parents for nearly a year and learn survival skills and migration routes.
5. Omnivorous Diet
Whooping cranes are omnivorous, feeding on various plant matter, small fish, amphibians, insects, and even small mammals or reptiles.
6. Distinctive Appearance
These cranes have a distinctive appearance with their white feathers, black wing tips, and red crowns.
7. Social Behavior
Whooping cranes are social birds and often form small family groups or flocks. They communicate through various calls and displays.
8. Nesting Habits
These birds build their nests on the ground employing the use of vegetation and mud. They prefer making homes in isolated areas that are away from disturbances.
9. Cultural Significance
The whooping crane holds cultural significance for many Native tribes, who have revered and protected these birds for centuries.
10. Predators
Whooping crane eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predators like raccoons, coyotes, and foxes.
Sightseeing of This Bird in Canada
The ideal places for sightseeing this beautiful bird are the following territories of Canada;
Direction of the Country | Places Where Whooping Cranes are Found |
Western Territory | Alberta and British Columbia |
Eastern Territory | Quebec |
Central Territory | Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan |
Because of the reduced population of this species in the Canadian region, the chances of sightseeing are somewhat low and dependent on the population density in that area.
Right Time and Month to See the Whooping Crane
There is no fixed time for viewing this species and it depends on their migration patterns and at which time they will fly across the territory;
Migratory Season | Months |
Spring Migration | Mid-April to Mid-May |
Fall Migration | Mid-September to Late October |
FAQs
Why whooping cranes are endangered in Canada?
Whooping cranes lost much of their wetland habitats due to humans draining land for farming and development. Hunting for food and their feathers was very common until laws protected them. With a small population, diseases or other threats had put the whole species at risk.