CRANES. 33 



of the same. Back, scapulars, and wing coverts, dusky ; the feathers 

 surrounded with rufous borders. A large black spot upon the outer- 

 most tail feathers, the rest of the plumage as in the adults. 



CRANES. (Grus, Pallas, Sfc.) 



In these birds the bill is about the length, or somewhat longer 

 than the head, it is strong, straight, compressed, attenuated at the 

 point, which is somewhat obtuse ; the mandibles with a wide furrow 

 on either side at the base, ridge of the bill elevated. Nostrils situ- 

 ated in a furrow, in the middle of the bill, pervious, posteriorly 

 closed by a membrane. Region of the eyes, and the base of the bill, 

 often naked or warty. Feet long and robust, naked for a large space 

 above the knees, the middle toe united to the outer by a rudimcntal 

 membrane, the inner one divided, the hinder toe articulated high 

 on the tarsus. Wings of moderate dimensions, 1st and 5th prima- 

 ries about equal ; the 2d, 3d, and 4th longest; secondaries broader 

 and wider than the primaries ; the tertials arched and much elon- 

 gated. The tail short, of 12 feathers. 



The food of this family of birds is various, and besides insects, rep- 

 tiles, worms and fish, some species likewise frequent ploughed and 

 newly planted fields to pick up seeds, as well as living prey. They 

 dwell in fields, marshes, and frequent the margins of ponds, but 

 always roost in trees, where they also nest, as well as on the ground, 

 though the European species, useful, familiar and venerated, often 

 selects the roofs of deserted houses for its eyry. When incuba- 

 tion commences, the nest is raised to the height of the body with 

 grass and reeds ; they are said to lay but 2 eggs, on which each 

 alternately brood in a standing posture, while the other keeps a care- 

 ful watch. They migrate in vast flocks, and perform very extensive 

 periodical journeys, passing along often out of sight in the higher 

 regions of the atmosphere, moving in the night, in troops arranged 

 in long triangular lines, at the shrill voice of their leader, which re- 

 echoed by the timorous and unseen ranks, affords often the only 

 indication of the course of their passage. Subject to less excite- 

 ment, they pass along silently and at a great elevation in fine 

 weather, but lower their flight, and become clamorous, at the ap- 

 proach, or during the existence of a storm. Species inhabit both 



