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Fossils of wing bones dating back nine million years have been discovered in Nebraska. The species has survived because of its complex social behaviors, long term care of its young, innate wariness and adaptability. The sandhill crane is the most abundant of the world’s 15 crane species—and one of just two crane species in North America. (The other is the whooping crane.)

Like all cranes, sandhill cranes mate for life. They typically lay two eggs per year, with one chick usually surviving the first year. A family of cranes will spend about three weeks along the Platte River.  

Whooping cranes are the most endangered crane in the world.
There are less than 300 wild whooping cranes in the world—and about 300 migrate through the Platte River valley and Rainwater Basin each spring and fall, though they are rarely seen by viewers.

The whooping crane is the tallest of North American birds. With its imposing stature, bright white plumage, black mask and red crown, it is one of the most striking sights in the bird world. In the field, birds that are often mistaken for whooping cranes include leucistic (mostly white) sandhill cranes, white pelicans, swans and even snow geese.

If you think you have seen a whooping crane, please report it to Whooper Watch at 888.399.2824 or the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (308.865.5310).

For an up-close look at the cranes, visit the Hastings Museum, which is home to a display that includes 10 whooping cranes. Whooping cranes remain on the endangered species list, and all of those included in the display were mounted more than 75 years ago.

Comparison of sandhill cranes and whooping cranes
There are two crane species in North America.  The whooping crane is one of the largest cranes and the most endangered in the world with a wild population of less than 500 individuals in the wild and captivity.