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ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BULLETIN. 



The CRANE COLLECTION 



of the ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 



By Lee S. Crandall, Acting Curator of Birds. 



AMONG the manj- groups of birds possess- 

 ing ornate qualities, few are so hardy in 

 cajjtivity, or thrive with such meagre care, 

 as that formed bj' the cranes. It is true that 

 the ornamental value of these birds is not, as 

 yet, fully recognized in America, although they 

 are kept extensively on European estates ; still, 

 large numbers of cranes are brought to this 

 country annually, and there is no doubt that 

 their popularity is steadily increasing. 



Captive cranes are, perhaps, of greatest inter- 

 est when enjoying their libertj' on an extensive 

 range; but the aviculturist who is truly inter- 

 ested in them will wish to confine his specimens 

 where they can be kept under 

 closer observation. For this pur- 

 pose, a plot of two or three acres 

 of ground should be selected, and 

 enclosed bj' a fence which need not 

 exceed five feet in height. The 

 Crane Paddock in the Zoological 

 Park is so nearly an ideal home 

 for most of the members of the 

 Society's excellent collection, that 

 a description of it may be of in- 

 terest. 



The paddock is about 150 feet 

 square, and is surrounded by an 

 ornamental fence, averaging four 

 feet in height. While most of tlie 

 inmates are pinioned, they can leap 

 this fence easily when alarmed, 

 altliough they never attempt to do 

 so under ordinary circumstances. The enclos- 

 ure is well carpeted with grass, which is kejit 

 closely cropped during the summer months. A 

 number of large shade trees is included within 

 its limits, besides several clumps of shrulxs, 

 which afford seclusion to any birds which desire 

 it. One of the most valuable features, however, 

 is a little stream that traverses the entire length 

 of the paddock. The birds derive an infinite 

 amount of pleasure from wading and probing 

 about in the little pools, and the effect produced 

 is certainly mo.st pleasing to onlookers. A small 

 shed is provided for use during severe weather, 

 although it is seldom entered. The Manchurian, 

 whooping, white-necked, sarus and sandhill 



LITTLE BROWN CRANE 



cranes are confined here, while the others are 

 divided between the Wild Fowl Enclosure and 

 the Ostrich House. 



Few birds require so little attention as the 

 cranes. Their chief food is grain, but occa- 

 sional mice, frogs, fish or chopped meat are al- 

 waA's appreciated and become a necessity dur- 

 ing cold weather. Many of the species are per- 

 fectly hardy, provided healthy specimens are 

 secured. If acquired in the spring and given 

 an opportunity for becoming acclimated, they 

 will live in the open through tlie winter, happily 

 and well, requiring only that they receive their 

 food and water regularly. Some protection 

 from wind should be provided, of 

 course; and it is well to place 

 within the enclosure a small shed, 

 although it is safe to say that the 

 birds will use it rarely, unless 

 driven in. 



A surprising assiduity in the 

 search tor worms and tender roots 

 is a failing which may become 

 serious, and result, especially after 

 rain, in the uprooting of patches 

 of turf. Generally this can be 

 checked effectively either by con- 

 fining the birds for a short time 

 following showers, or by covering 

 their favorite feeding grounds 

 with small branches. 



The greatest difficulty in the 

 maintenance of a large collection 

 of cranes is found in the erratic disposition of 

 the birds. A number may live together for 

 months in perfect harmony ; but j ust as the col- 

 lector begins to congratulate himself on their 

 good behaviour, one may be found with an eye 

 missing, or with its skull pierced ! It really is 

 not safe to associate the larger and smaller spe- 

 cies in a permanent group, unless the enclosure 

 be very large, or the number of birds very small. 

 Great care must be taken in introducing strange 

 birds to a flock already well settled. The new- 

 comers are certain to be subjected to a more or 

 less harrowing inspection by the original in- 

 mates, who consider them as nothing more than 

 intruders. The strangers will be persistently 



