Whooping cranes are graceful, expressive and curious creatures. With the help of conservation science, these endangered treasures of North America are flying back from the brink of extinction. Get acquainted with these big, beautiful birds in this Q A with Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute keeper Chris Crowe. STORY: https://s.si.edu/3uSRjda. | Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Typically Whooping Crane calls all sound similar (at least to human ears) however one of our females has a more “goose-like” honk, which will make it easy to ID her even without transmitter or band data, once we are able to figure out which of the two female companions is actually making the sound! Take a listen! | Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries - Whooping Cranes

Sound up! 🥰 In captivity, whooping crane eggs are monitored throughout the incubation period to ensure the embryo is developing and progressing properly, typically through weighing and candling. Once the embryo has grown large enough, movement of the egg can actually be observed. In the final few days, the embryo breaks into the aircell where it breathes air for the first time and is able to vocalize. Observing strong movement and hearing peeping is a good indication the chick is in the correct