Whooping Crane Makes Dramatic Comeback

The Whooping Crane, named for its “whooping” call is not only North America’s tallest bird, but also one of the its most endangered. Having faced a history of hardship and persecution — European explorers collected them, while colonists used them to fend off starvation — the magical-looking bird has flirted with extinction since the 1940s. Yet, in a contemporary twist of fate, the Whooping Crane is reportedly making a “slow flight to recovery,” as the Canadian Press put it.

This winter, ornithologists have counted a significantly higher number of cranes returning to Texas bogs. Some scientists believe the migratory bird is benefiting from conservation and strict protective legislation. Other biologists, however, believe warmer temperatures from climate change are helping the birds thrive, at least for now.

Fledgling “whooper birds” are more likely to freeze in cool dry marshland. Low water levels also make chicks openly available to land-favoring predators such as foxes and wolves. With warmer temperatures and water rising the cranes could be benefiting from global warming.

It would be no surprise to science that there will be both winners and losers, when it comes to species affected by global warming. While the whooping crane may benefit, many others will see habitat diminish or disappear.

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