Whooping Crane in Canada: Characteristics and Features

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

Features of Whooping Crane in Canada

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

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

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
Pro Tip

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

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.