BRITAIN S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 91 



ORDER, GRAI.LJE (RAILS, &c.) ; 

 Suborder, OTIDES ; Family, OTIDID/E (Bustards). 



THE GREAT BUSTARD 



(Otis tarda). 



The natural Order on which we now enter is one 

 composed of three very distinct groups. Only the typical 

 one concerns us to any extent ; but before we can deal 

 with it we must first dismiss, with brief mention, the 

 respective representatives of the other two — a single 

 British-breeding species in each case, and both now extinct 

 as such. Four centuries ago the Great Bustard nested 

 on the open lands of England and the extreme south of 

 Scotland. From that time it gradually decreased, and 

 the last record of eggs appears to be about 1838. 

 Allusion has already been made to the general habits of 

 the group, and as this large bird is no longer to be seen 

 coursing over the downs we need not discuss the matter 

 fui'ther. The Great Bustard still occurs as an irregular 

 wanderer, and more marked incursions are noted in some 

 winters. 



Suborder, GRUES ; Family, GRUID^ (Cranes). 



THE CRANE 



(Qrus communis). 



The Crane is believed to have nested in East Anglia 

 down till late in the sixteenth century. It is now a rare 

 wanderer to our islands. The name ' Crane ' has long been 



