Whooping Crane Eastern Population Update – May 2026

In April, the Eastern Migratory Population begins nesting in Wisconsin. Can you identify the nest in this aerial photo?

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. During April, birds started nesting! A huge thank-you to the staff of the 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 64 (36 F, 25 M, 3 U). Fifteen of these 64 individuals are wild-hatched and the rest are captive-reared. To the best of our knowledge, as of 4 May, there are at least 52 birds in Wisconsin, one in Florida, and one in Michigan. The locations of the remaining birds 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, including bios on each crane.

2024 Cohort

W1-24 (U) or a different unbanded bird, W1-22, was observed in Gibson County, Indiana, in December.

24-24 (F) traveled from Manistee County, Michigan, to Columbia County, Wisconsin.

28-24 (M) is still at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge in Dodge County, Wisconsin.

29-24 (M) traveled from Juneau County, Wisconsin, to Adams County, Wisconsin, and has been seen with 79-19 (F).

2025 Cohort

W1-25 (U) traveled from Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone County, Alabama, to Marathon County, Wisconsin. They have been seen with 30-25 (M) and 38-25 (F).

30-25 (M) and 38-25 (F) traveled from Juneau County, Wisconsin, to Marathon County, Wisconsin.

31-25 (F) remains in Lake County, Florida.

34-25 (F) traveled from Jasper County, Indiana, to Rock County, Wisconsin.

32-25 (M) traveled from Marshall County, Kentucky, to Linn County, Iowa, and then to Dodge County, Wisconsin.

35-25 (F) is still in Outagamie County, Wisconsin.

36-25 (M) traveled from Rhea County, Tennessee, to Milwaukee County, Wisconsin.

Reproduction

Nests that were completed by 4 May:

• Juneau County: 2 nests were a part of forced renesting when black flies emerged, and 3 nests were abandoned due to black flies.

Active nests:

• 2 in Green Lake County, 1 in Portage County, 1 in St. Croix County, and 1 in Juneau County

Mortality and Long-term Missing

None known during April.