What is the typical clutch size and successful fledging rate for Whooping Cranes, reflecting their K-selection strategy?

Answer

They usually lay two eggs per clutch, and often only one chick survives to fledge.

The Whooping Crane exhibits a classic K-selection life history strategy, which prioritizes the survival of a few offspring over producing a large quantity. This strategy is characterized by a long time to sexual maturity, a long lifespan, and low annual reproductive output. Specifically, once paired, these cranes typically deposit only two eggs in their nest. Compounding this low initial production, environmental factors, predation, or weather often result in only one chick successfully growing strong enough to fledge (leave the nest) in any given year. This limited annual recruitment rate severely impacts how quickly the overall population can rebound from losses.

What is the typical clutch size and successful fledging rate for Whooping Cranes, reflecting their K-selection strategy?

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