Whooping Cranes
Wisconsin whooping cranes are an interesting bird that has many qualities. One quality that benefits them is that they can fully extend their legs and neck to help them when they are flying. This great bird is also the most managed and monitored boreal bird. They need the monitoring because they are getting closer and closer to extinction. There aren't many left. Did you know that whooping cranes have the long, slender beak to help them when they are getting food out of deep waters?
One benefit for humans is that the whooping crane has a very small reproductive rate so we don't have the issue of them over-populating. If you look at one of these birds, you will notice their beautiful look. They have a brilliant red color on the top of their head that makes them stand out from other birds. This can be a benefit for them and a downfall at the same time. Wisconsin whooping cranes can be a wonderful sight to see and can make sight seeing a fun experience.
Name: Whooping Cranes
Scientific Name: Grus americana
Measurements: weight: about 15lbs, height: up to 5ft, length: 52in, wingspan: 87in
Habitat: during breeding season: marshes, bogs, and shallow lakes separated by ridges. While migrating: various croplands and wetlands. During winter: marshes and salt flats.
Diet: insects, minnows, frogs, snakes, small rodents, seeds, berries, grains, vegetation.
Behavior: between 2-5 cranes migrate together, bob heads while walking to stabilize vision, migrate during daytime, like to stay in pairs.
Reproduction: sexually mature at 4 years old, both birds incubate eggs, change partners only if one dies, lay two eggs, eggs hatch after a month.
Predators: black bears, wolverines, gray wolf, red fox, lynx, and raven
Life Expectancy: up to 25 years old
Extra Facts: tallest bird in North America, call can be heard for more than a mile, eat over 58 species of fish.
Part of Wisconsin it generally resides: mainly southern and central Wisconsin
