326 ANNUAL REPORT SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, 1923 



ing their attention to experimental work in the hatching and rearing 

 of the more difficult native varieties. 



Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and bob white quail (Colinus virgini- 

 anus) roam at large and nest within the borders of the park, but 

 until a suitable pheasantry can be established the exhibition of 

 gallinaceous birds must necessarily be restricted to such species as 

 are easily kept under ordinary conditions. A few showy pheasants 

 and several American forms of quail or partridge are kept in the 

 bird house. 



The curassows are fine, large gallinaceous birds found from 

 Mexico to South America. There are a number of species, two of 

 which are shown — the razor-billed (Mitu mitu) and Daubenton's 

 curassow (Crax daubentoni). Unlike most of the forms of this 

 group of birds, the curassows are largely arboreal in habit and nest 

 in trees. The feathers of the back and rump are always soft and 

 downy, unlike those of the other gallinaceous game birds. 



Closely related are the penelopes and guans, of which the chacha- 

 laca (Ortalis vetula), ranging north into Texas, is an example. 

 Several South American forms are on exhibition, the finest of which 

 is the Bolivian penelope (Penelope boliviano). These large galli- 

 naceous birds are very attractive pets and become most tame and 

 confiding. 



CRANES AND THEIR ALLIES 



This group (Gruiformes) includes the cranes, rails, cariamas, and 

 bustards, as well as some lesser known forms. It has a wide distri- 

 bution, and as its members are frequently classed as " game birds," 

 it has a great popular interest. The cranes comprise some of the 

 most showy of zoological park avian exhibits and are now much 

 sought by private collectors of living birds. The remaining families 

 within the order are less often seen in zoological gardens, but are, 

 nevertheless, all birds of more than ordinary interest to the orni- 

 thologist. 



One of the finest species, the great whooping crane (Grus ameri- 

 cana) is bordering upon extinction. It bred formerly from north- 

 ern Mackenzie south to Illinois and Iowa and occurred commonly in 

 migrations through the Central and Southern States. It is a splen- 

 did bird; white, with black primaries and primary coverts. Natur- 

 ally a wild and wary creature, it rapidly became scarce after its 

 breeding grounds were settled by man, and it is now virtually im- 

 possible to obtain specimens. 



The sand-hill crane ( Grus mexicana) is another American species, 

 still common in parts of Florida and in the Western States. Like 

 the white crane, it is a shy bird and difficult to secure, and the rapid 

 settlement of its range has naturally greatly reduced its numbers. 



