Hoosiers for Whoopers
One of the rarest and most endangered species of birds in North America calls Indiana their home for the winter – the Whooping Crane! Between October and March, Indiana’s wetlands and wildlife areas provide essential migration stopovers and wintering habitat for “Whoopers.” These habitats support countless other wildlife species, improve water quality, and help reduce flooding. This makes wetland and Whooping Crane conservation a win for both wildlife and people!
Some of the most pressing threats to Whooping Crane survival include habitat loss, collisions with power lines, and poaching. Together, we can all contribute to the conservation of the endangered Whooping Crane and ensure that they can continue dancing in Indiana for generations to come. Together, we can all be Hoosiers for Whoopers!
Our conservation work in Indiana is primarily focused on public outreach and research. Take a look around to learn more about Whooping Cranes, our work, and what you can do to help!
Are you interested in scheduling one of our outreach programs in Indiana? Contact us here.
Where can I see Whooping Cranes in Indiana?
There are two distinct migratory populations of Whooping Cranes in North America. In Indiana, we see the Eastern Migratory Population, which breeds in Wisconsin in the summer. Small flocks fly south to their wintering grounds in the southeastern United States, stopping over in a few locations in Indiana, including Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area in the northern half of the state and Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in the southern half of the state. A few of them might spend the majority, or all of the winter, in Indiana.
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Birding Backpacks – Free Resource at Your Local Library or Nature Center
Through the Hoosiers for Whoopers initiative, we’ve distributed youth Birding Backpacks to libraries, nature centers, and fish and wildlife areas across western and central Indiana. Designed for K-8 students, each backpack is packed with binoculars, bird ID guides, crane-themed crafts, and stories about the cultural importance of cranes around the world — everything a young birder needs to discover and connect with the endangered Whooping Cranes that call Indiana’s wetlands home.
See where you can check out a backpack
I Give a Whoop
America’s tallest bird, the Whooping Crane, is endangered and needs your help.
Learn how you can help and pledge to protect Whooping Cranes
News
What Exactly Is Happening with the Endangered Species Act?
This rule change directly threatens the continued recovery of the Endangered Whooping Crane, one of the first species protected by the Endangered Species Act
News
Trump Administration Rolls Back Endangered Species Act Habitat Protections, Further Threatening Whooping Cranes
Today’s actions directly threaten recovery of the Endangered Whooping Crane, one of the first species protected by the Endangered Species Act
News
Whooping Crane Eastern Population Update – July 2026
This year’s chicks are getting bigger in the Eastern Migratory Whooping Crane population!
