Eastern Whooping Crane Population Update – March 2025
Photo: Whooping Crane pair 36-09 and W5-18 in Greene County, Indiana, in mid-March by Nancy Lightfoot
Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. During February, most birds stayed on their typical wintering grounds, but a few have begun their northward migration. A huge thank you to the staff of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Departments of Natural Resources of flyway states, the International Crane Foundation, and all the volunteers who help us keep track of the cranes throughout the year. We appreciate your contribution to the recovery of the Whooping Crane Eastern Migratory Population. This report was produced by the International Crane Foundation.
Population Estimate
The current estimated population size is 70 (36 F, 31 M, 3 U). Sixteen of these 70 individuals are wild-hatched and the rest are captive-reared. To the best of our knowledge, as of 3 March, there are at least eight birds in Alabama, 14 in Kentucky, seven in Illinois, 26 in Indiana, and two in Georgia. The remaining birds’ locations have not been confirmed in the last month. Their last known locations (in the past month) are on the map below. Click here to view our interactive “Where Are the Whoopers?” map for more details.
2023 Cohort
W9-23 (F) was last seen in De Witt County, Illinois, in November.
22-23 (F), 21-23 (M), and an unbanded crane, possibly W1-22 (U), moved from Hardin County, Tennessee, to Hopkins, County Kentucky together.
W12-23 (M) is still with W18-20 (F) in Limestone County, Alabama.
Presumed W13-23 (U), an unbanded crane, is still in Hickman County, Kentucky, with 4-17 (M).
19-23 (M), 17-23 (F), 23-23 (M), and 20-23 (F) are still together in Parke County, Indiana.
16-23 (F) is still in Greene County, Indiana.
2024 Cohort
W1-24 (U) and parents, 5-11 and 12-11, were last seen in Lawrence County, Illinois, in November.
29-24 (M) left Limestone County Alabama, and is now in Crawford County, Illinois, likely still with W3-17 (F) and W2-21 (M).
24-24 (F) left Meigs County, Tennessee, and is now in Marshall County, Indiana.
25-24 (F) was last seen in Hamilton County, Florida, in December.
27-24 (M) was last seen in Lake County, Florida, in December.
28-24 (M) left Barren County, Kentucky, and is now in Jackson County, Indiana.
Mortality and Long-term Missing
None known during February.
Story submitted by Nicki Gordon, Whooping Crane Biological Technician. Click here to learn more about our work in North America.
