Smithsonian National Zoo in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Whooping Crane
Grus americana
Height 4 to 5 ft (1.2 to 1.6 m)
Weight 10 to 19 lb (4.5 to 8.5 kg)
Wingspan 7 to 8 ft (2.1 to 2.4 m)
Saving Cranes
Whooping cranes are the tallest birds in North America, but did their height and striking appearance make them targets for near extinction? Once numbering in the thousands, hunting and habitat loss reduced their population to only 21 birds by 1941. Protections and breeding programs have helped them increase their numbers, but there are fewer than 10,00 whooping cranes left.
Reproduction Male and female form a monogamous pair after an elaborate courtship ritual; both parents will incubate eggs and care for chicks
Natural Diet Crags and other small crustaceans, insects, plants, and seeds
Range Migrate between northern Canada and Texas and between Wisconsin and Florida
Habitat Wetlands, marshes, and lagoons
Erected by Smithsonian National Zoo.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 38° 55.772′ N, 77° 3.055′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Working for Whoopers (here, next to this marker); Ross's Goose (within shouting distance of this marker); Kori Bustard (within shouting distance of this marker); Flamingo Breeding (within shouting distance of this marker); Eagle Statue (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Column Capital (about 400 feet away); A Capital Bird (about 400 feet away); Bald Eagle (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 25 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
