Birds of Concern: Whooping Crane
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Whooping Crane |
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The whooping crane is the tallest North American bird. They feed on insects, frogs, rodents, small birds, minnows, and berries in the
summer. In the winter, they focus on predominantly animal foods, especially blue crabs and clams. They also, forage for acorns, snails,
crayfish and insects in upland areas.
Areas of Concern:
- The whooping crane population, estimated at 500 to 700 individuals in 1870 declined to only 16 individuals in the migratory population
by 1941 as a consequence of hunting and specimen collection, human disturbance, and conversion of the primary nesting habitat to hay,
pastureland, and grain production. The main threat to whooping cranes in the wild is the potential of a hurricane or contaminant spill
destroying their wintering habitat on the Texas coast. Collisions with power lines and fences are known hazards to wild whooping cranes.
The primary threats to captive birds are disease and parasites. Bobcat predation has been the main cause of mortality in the Florida
experimental population.
- http://www.fws.gov/northflorida/WhoopingCrane/whoopingcrane-fact-2001.htm
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Last updated:
July 30, 2010
