New Delhi: With colourful wings, fascinating size and breathtaking speed, birds are one of the most fascinating creatures on this planet. However, some species of birds are facing several threats to their lives because of several reasons, including climate change, habitat loss, and a significant spike in illegal hunting. Whooping Crane is one of those beautiful flying creatures on this planet who is standing on the verge of extinction. Thus, to conserve this species and ensure their good population, May 28 has been dedicated to this creature and is annually observed as Whooping Crane Day, with the aim of raising awareness about these majestic birds and their journey to recovery from near-extinction. Scroll down to learn more about this fascinating creature and learn more about their incredible story on this special day.
Fascinating facts to know about this majestic but endangered creature
With its snowy white plumage, crimson cap, bugling call, and graceful courtship dance, the whooping crane is one of the most awe-inspiring birds.
A testament to the tenacity and creativity of conservation biologists, the whooping crane is the tallest and rarest bird in North America.
The species declined to around 20 birds in the 1940s, but thanks to conservation efforts, wetland management, captive breeding, and an innovative programme that educate young cranes how to migrate, the population of the bird has significantly increased to around 600 today.
The whooping crane has a wingspan of more than seven feet and can weigh around 15 pounds.
An adult whooping crane can be as tall as many humans, attaining up to a height of around five feet. Interestingly, the bird also has a long trachea, measuring up to a length of five feet, which coils into its sternum and allows the bird to give a loud call that carries long distances over the marsh.
The eggs of whooping cranes were transferred from the last wild breeding grounds at Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada in early 1967 to initiate the first captive breeding programme at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Maryland.
Like soldiers, the whooping cranes walk with a smooth and majestic gait. Its courtship dance is a spectacle of leaping, head-pumping, kicking, and wing-sweeping.
The oldest whooping crane on record was at least 28 years and four months old when it was witnessed in Saskatchewan, a Canadian province, in 2005.
With its snowy white plumage, crimson cap, bugling call, and graceful courtship dance, the whooping crane is one of the most awe-inspiring birds. The population of the bird reached near extinction in the early 1900s because of the loss of habitat and the spike in illegal hunting. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
