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Citation:
Thompson, H. L., and N. M. Gordon. 2025. Predators and scavengers of eastern migratory whooping crane eggs. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop 16:237-242.
Abstract:
The Eastern Migratory Population of whooping cranes (Grus americana) is not yet self-sustaining, primarily due to low recruitment. We deployed 81 cameras on whooping crane nests in Wisconsin during 2019-2024 to determine the fate of each nest. We identified 7 instances of depredation of crane eggs and 10 of abandoned eggs that were later scavenged. Coyotes (Canis latrans, n = 3 nests) and raccoons (Procyon lotor, n = 2) were the primary predators of crane eggs. We documented common ravens (Corvus corax, n = 2 nests), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos, n = 2), a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus, n = 1), a common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina, n = 1), a sandhill crane (Grus canadensis, n = 1), a raccoon (n = 1), an American mink (Neovison vison, n = 1), and an unidentified mammal (n = 1) scavenging whooping crane eggs. Identifying the fate of whooping crane nests and potential predators or scavengers of whooping crane eggs can inform future management of this endangered species and their breeding habitat.
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© 2025 North American Crane Working Group
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