Whooping Crane Update Winter 2021-2022

Author(s)
Colt R. Sanspree
Jena A. Moon
Matthew J. Butler
Wade Harrell
Publication date
Facility
Coastal marsh under a bright blue sky
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is best known as the wintering home of the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery, a diversity of wildlife, and a variety of recreational opportunities.
Program
A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
Species
Two large white birds with spindly legs and black tips on their wings coming in for a landing in a wetland

The whooping crane occurs only in North America and is North America’s tallest bird, with males approaching 1.5 m (5 ft) when standing erect. The whooping crane adult plumage is snowy white except for black primaries, black or grayish alula (specialized feathers attached to the upper leading end...

FWS Focus
Subject tags
Endangered and/or Threatened species
FWS and DOI Region(s)