One of the rarest and most endangered species of birds in North America calls Indiana their home for the winter – the Whooping Crane! Standing nearly five feet tall, with snow-white feathers, black wing tips, and a bright red crown, it is the continent’s tallest bird. Its unmistakable call, a loud, echoing “whoop” that can be heard from miles away, was once common throughout the Midwest, and is slowly returning today. With only about 700 individuals living in the wild today, its conservation story is one of creativity and perseverance. As a leader in crane conservation, the International Crane Foundation’s (ICF) Whooping Crane reintroduction project in the Eastern Flyway includes a captive breeding and release program, veterinary care, research, monitoring, education, and outreach.
Why Indiana’s Wetlands Matter
Between October and March, Indiana’s wetlands and wildlife areas provide essential migration stopovers and wintering habitat for Whooping Cranes. When these wetlands are healthy, cranes can safely rest and feed during migration. However, Indiana has lost approximately 85% of its historic wetlands, leaving cranes to depend on a much smaller network of suitable habitats that are increasingly surrounded by human activities and infrastructure. Therefore, the continued survival of the species depends on the positive stewardship of these habitats.
Continued Threats to Whooping Cranes Survival
Whooping Cranes still face anthropogenic pressures that impact their continued survival. As the human population continues to grow, the demand for agriculture and energy development increases, which results in land use changes and habitat loss. Solar and wind energy expansion also increase mortality risks; cranes are particularly susceptible to collisions with power lines, accounting for a significant proportion of mortality events. Finally, while poaching incidents haven’t been reported in Indiana since 2019, illegal shootings remain a threat to Whooping Cranes throughout their flyways. In March of 2026, a poaching incident was reported in Louisiana.
How you can “Give a Whoop”
- Spread the word! Talk to your friends and family about cranes and wetland conservation, and follow and share crane- and wetland-related content on social media
- Become an Advocate! Advocate for crane-friendly power lines and local legislation that protects wetlands
- Join our citizen science! Report whooping crane sightings to bandedcranes.org
- Get Involved! Support ICF’s work by donating or volunteering
Categories: Water & Wilderness Protection, Wetlands