There are two crane species in North America, the Whooping Crane and the Sandhill Crane. The Whooping Crane is an Endagered Species. In 2010 there was a total wild population of less than 400, a western population consisting of about 280 birds, and an eastern population consisting of about 113 (about 85 migratory and about 28 non-migratory). Whooping Cranes are spectacular birds, standing almost 5 feet tall. Their adult plumage is white with black wing tips. They have a distinctive red patch on their head and a yellow/gold eye. Being in their presence and having the opportunity to photograph them was one of my very favorite nature experiences.
Sandhill Cranes are much more numerous than Whoopers, numbering over 600,000 including various subspecies. But their abundant numbers don't take away from the thrill of observing them. I've seen small numbers of them in places from Florida to Montana. However the real spectacle is to see them by the thousands along the Platte River in Nebraska during their spring migration, one of North America's very special wildlife experiences.