Some of those birds were ill or crippled or mates of crippled birds. Parents and the young of the previous year separate upon departure from Aransas NWR, while enroute to the breeding grounds or soon after arrival on the breeding grounds. The primary migration route through Nebraska is a narrow swath approximately 140 miles wide. Migration may take two to six weeks. Whooping cranes migrate in the daytime and make regular stops for the night to feed and rest.
Some stopovers last only one night, others up to four weeks.
Whooping cranes migrate as individuals, pairs, family groups or small flocks of up to 11 birds. Whooping cranes may live up to 24 years in the wild. Captive birds can live 35 to 40 years. Reproduction Whooping cranes mate for life but will accept a new mate if one of the pair dies. Birds reach sexual maturity in three to five years.