Wisconsin birds: Whooping crane (Grus americana) and Sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA. The whooping crane is an endangered species (IUCN, 2014). The species almost went extinct with only 15 individuals left in 1938. Conservation efforts, including a wetland restoration and a captive breeding program, have had some success. In 2011, there were about 437 birds in the wild and about 165 in captivity.

Whooping cranes currently have two wild migratory populations:

1. A breeding population in Wood buffalo National Park in Canada. There were an estimated 279 individuals in this population in 2011. These birds winter in Texas along the Gulf Coast. 

2. A breeding population in Wisconsin, USA. Here the population was estimated at 105 individuals in 2011. The whooping cranes in Wisconsin had to learn to migrate again. Operation Migration has been leading the migration training effort; the cranes are taught to follow ultra light aircraft to their wintering grounds in Florida.

In addition there are two non-migratory populations:

1. Near Kissimmee, Florida. This population suffered from high mortality and poor reproduction and and the population reduced to about 20 individuals in 2011.

2. In Louisiana's White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area; 23 individuals in 2013.

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Whooping crane (Grus americana) and Sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USAWhooping crane (Grus americana) and Sandhill crane (Grus canadensis), Horicon Marsh, Wisconsin, USA