102 



NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS EGGS. 



206. Sandhill Crane. Grus mexicana. 



Range. Temperate North America, breeding from the Gulf States, locally 

 north to the southern parts of the British Provinces. 



This is the most common and the most southerly distributed member of the 

 family. In some sections of Florida and Texas it is regarded as abundant. 

 They nest in marshy places near secluded ponds. The nests are masses of 

 grass, weeds and roots, generally placed in marshes and entirely surrounded by 

 water. The two eggs are similar to those of the Whooping Crane, but the ground 

 color is lighter. The eggs of the two species cannot always, with certainty, be 

 distinguished. Size 3.75 x 2.40. Data. Carman, Manitoba, May 31, '1903. 

 2 eggs. Nest on a knoll in a marsh, hidden by dead rushes and weeds; a flat 

 loose structure of broken rushes and reeds. Collector, Chris Forge. 



[Buff.J 



207. Limpkin. 



COURLANS. 



Aramus giganteus. 





[Buffy white- 



Family ARAMID/E. 



Range. This bird is a native of 

 the West Indies and Central Amer- 

 ica, but occurs regularly north to 

 the southern portions of Florida. 



This strange bird is the only 

 member of its family found in the 

 United States. It may be likened 

 to a large Rail or a small Crane, 

 being, apparently, a connecting 

 link between the two. It is about 

 two feet in length, and the plumage 

 is mottled brownish and white. It 

 lives in the marshes, from whence, 

 until late at night, emanate its 

 strange cries, which are likened to 

 those of a child in distress. They 

 nest in the most impenetrable parts 

 of swamps, building their nests of 





