DEMOISELLE CRANE — MACQUEEN'S BUSTARD 



99 



swamps. In size this species is considerably smaller than the common crane, 

 measuring only about 30 inches in total length. Among its characteristic features 

 may be noted the long and pointed quills, the tuft of long whitish feathers behind 

 each ear, and the generally ashy tone of the plumage, relieved on the head, chin, 

 throat, quills, and tail by black. The demoiselle crane is a slender bird, with 

 graceful movements and a playful and gentle disposition. Occasionally it wanders as 





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DEMOISELLE CRANES. 



far away from its proper habitat as Heligoland and south Sweden, but such stragglers 

 as have been reported in the British Isles had probably escaped from captivity. 

 Macqueen's A very characteristic bird of the Caspian province is Macqueen's 



Bustard. bustard (Hv ha ra macqueeni), which normally ranges from northern 

 Persia and Afghanistan to southern Siberia, and visits southern Persia and north- 

 western India in winter. It leaves the Caspian area in September, to return in 

 March or April. In length this bustard measures about 26 inches, and it is easily 



