Whooping Crane Eastern Population Update – September 2026

W7-26 with one of its parents (2-04 and W14-19) in Juneau County, Wis. The other parent is outside the image frame. Photo by Beverly Paulan

Below is the most recent update for the Eastern Migratory Population of Whooping Cranes. During August, two more chicks reached fledging age! 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. The International Crane Foundation produced this report.

Population Estimate

The current estimated population size is 64 (32 F, 25 M, 7 U). Eighteen of these 64 individuals are wild-hatched, and the rest are captive-reared. To the best of our knowledge, as of 1 September, there are at least 60 birds in Wisconsin. 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, including bios on each crane.

2025 Cohort

30-25 (M), 38-25 (F), and W1-25 (U) are still together in Marquette County, Wisconsin.

31-25 (F), 32-25 (M), and 34-25 (F) are still together in Dodge County, Wisconsin.

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

36-25 (M) is still in Sheboygan County, Wisconsin.

2026 Cohort

W1-26 (U) is with parents 4-13 and 10-15 in Green Lake County.

W2-26 (U) is with parents W1-19 and 1-17 in Portage County.

W7-26 (U) is with parents 2-04 and W14-19 in Juneau County. They fledged in early August and have been added to the population total above.

W10-26 (U) is with parents 4-14 and 3-14 in Green Lake County. They fledged in late August and have been added to the population total above.

Mortality and Long-term Missing

W1-06 (F) has not been seen since August 2025 and is now considered long-term missing. We have removed her from the population total above.