Is this a whooping crane? Photo Jeannette Parker, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Surprise! This is not a whooping crane. It is a leucistic sandhill crane — one whose feathers did not develop the gray pigments that sandhills should have, so the feathers remain white. The dark red crown on the top of the head tells you it is a sandhill crane. Journey North is pleased to feature this educational adventure made possible by the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP).