WADING BIRDS. 



431 



The Cultrirostres * are known by their large, long, 

 and strong beak, which is generally trenchant and 

 sharp pointed ; in 



The Cranes (Grus\ however, the bill is scarcely longer than the 



tlG. 378. CROWNED CRAKE 



head. The common Crane ( Gras cinerea] is a very beautiful bird, 

 standing upwards of four feet in height : it has been celebrated 

 from the remotest antiquity on account of its periodical migration, 

 which carries it every autumn i'rom north to south, and every spring 

 in the opposite direction, on these occasions Cranes fly in numerous 

 flocks and observe the most perfect discipline. These birds will eat 

 grain, but they prefer insects and worms, which they obtain abun- 

 dantly in the marshy countries they frequent. The ancients fre- 

 quently make allusion to the Cranes, because their high road 

 during their migrations lies through Greece and Asia Minor. 



The Herons (Ardea) are more carnivorous in their habits, and 

 are provided with a long, sharp beak, cloven to beneath the eyes. 

 They are likewise remarkable for having the inner edge of the 

 middle claw of each foot horny and toothed like a comb. The 

 Herons are solitary birds, they roost or perch themselves by the 

 side of streams, where they destroy much fish. 



The Storks (Ciconia) are furnished with a beak of still more 

 formidable proportions, and their feet are slightly webbed at the 

 base. They have the habit of striking their broad mandibles 

 sharply together, thus producing a clapping sound, the only noise 

 that they make. The White Stork (Ciconia alba), very common on 

 the Continent, builds its nest upon steeples, towers, and other lofty 



* Culter, the conlter of a plough ; rostrum, a beak. 



