G-EUIDyE — THE CRANES — GRUS. 409 



differences between them except in size. In this connection, however, the reader is referred to 

 the " Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club" for April, 1880, p. 123, and for July, 1880, p. 

 187, where Mr. J. A. Allen and Mr. Ridgway, respectively, consider them distinct species. 



The larger and better-known race of the Sandliill Crane (here called mexicana) 

 while having, to a large extent, the same distribution as the americana, is found to 

 extend its movements over a somewhat larger territory, breeding much farther south 

 than the Whooj)ing Crane, and being distributed as far west as the Pacific coast, 

 where G. americana is unknown. Where the two are found together this is ever 

 the more abundant species. It is an occasional straggler to New England, and is also 

 known to breed in Cuba, and possibly in others of the West India Islands. 



In Southeastern Oregon Captain Bendire found this a common summer resident, 

 breeding abundantly on the lowlands as well as in the highest mountain valleys. Its 

 hoarse cries could be heard almost everywhere in the vicinity of water so long as the 

 locality remained quiet. Each pair appeared to have a certain district during the 

 breeding-season, and he never found two pairs breeding within half a mile of each 

 other. 



Dr. Cooper speaks of this species as descending from the mountains into the San 

 Joaquin Valley, California, about September loth, when the Ioav water enables it to 

 obtain an abundance of fish and other food. 



He also mentions meeting with two individuals of this species among the mountains 

 of Montana, but none elsewhere, excepting a tame one near Fort Colville. This bird 

 would follow their horses for some distance, apparently for the pleasure of the race, 

 running with outspread wings until it had been passed, then flying ahead and circling 

 around to meet them again. 



Elsewhere Dr. Cooper speaks of this as being an abundant species in California 

 during the colder months, some remaining throughout the summer among the summits 

 of the Sierra Nevada. They arrive from the north in flocks about the last week in Sep- 

 tember, and in the interior apparently go south of the limits of California, as he has 

 seen returning flocks passing to the north, over the Colorado Valley, about the 13th of 

 March. At this season they rise from the ground by laborious flappings, circling 

 around higher and higher, until they get so far up as to seem like flocks of butterflies, 

 and then gradually move northward ; but most of these migrations are done at night. 

 Their cry, almost constantly heard when they are flying, Dr. Cooper states, is a rattling 

 sound exactly like that made by the blocks and ropes Avhen hoisting sail on a vessel. 

 They also at times have a loud whooping cry. He adds that this bird builds its nest 

 on the ground, in May, on some elevated spot, among ferns, where it may be partly 

 concealed, and yet whence the approach of danger can be perceived. The young of 

 this species are often raised from the nest, becoming very familiar and amusing, 

 showing much sagacity and a disposition to join in play Avith their friends. But as 

 pets they sometimes become dangerous, from a propensity to use their sharp bills too 

 freely, even pecking at the eyes of the children Avith whom they are playing. 



The Sandhill Crane feeds on all the small animals it can catch, such as mice, frogs, 

 grasshoppers, etc., and probably on young birds. In a state of domestication it is 

 omnivorous, eating bread and Vegetables also. It does not usually frequent the sea- 

 shore, nor is it often found in wet places, but prefers dry prairies, ploughed fields, 

 sandy hills, and like places, and in this respect is unlike the Heron family. It 

 is a very wary bird, and difficult of approach within shooting distance, and can 

 be reached only by stratagem. As food Dr. Cooper regards it as nearly equal to the 

 Turkey, especially when young ; and it is constantly brought to the San Francisco 

 market during the cooler months. 

 VOL. 1. — 52 



