DEMOISELLE GBANE, 31 



bird by concluding tbat it had been sitting on the ground resting, 

 and will not tbink anything about the matter, and .pass on. Very 

 few persons indeed would at all suspect that the birds had a nest. 

 Often, nay, almost always, when the birds have placed some distance 

 between them and their nest, they will take flight, and to all 

 appearance desert the spot altogether, but no sooner is the intruder's 

 back turned, than there they are again in a wonderfully short space 

 of time. One of the birds, I believe the male, always keeps watch 

 over the other, except in the middle of the day in very hot 

 weather, when the bird, which acts as sentinel, deserts its post 

 and goes to the nearest pond or lake to drink. It does not, however, 

 remain away very long. 



"Should the bird whose place it is to watch while the other sits 

 be absent, the sitting bird when disturbed is not quite so guarded 

 in its movements, and will allow a much nearer approach. "When 

 the eggs are first laid the birds will leave them as soon as an 

 intruder comes in sight, but as the incubation advances they become 

 less shy, and will not leave their eggs so readily. 



"I cannot say whether the bird which watches stands close to or 

 a little distance from the nest. I rather incline to the latter opinion. 

 If a Crane be observed chasing other birds away from any particular 

 spot, it is a sure sign that it has a nest not far off. This bird will 

 give chase to Eagles and great Bustards without the least fear should 

 they venture near its nest. For all kinds of Harriers and Seagulls 

 it has a great dislike. I have been told by the Tartars that, should 

 a dog by chance go near the nest of this bird, both the birds will 

 attack him, striking him with their beaks and wings, and making a 

 great noise all the time. I myself have never had an opportunity 

 of witnessing such an interesting encounter, but I am certain that 

 this bird has sufficient courage for one. The Demoiselle Crane is 

 easily domesticated when taken young." 



The adult male has the crown of the head ash-colour; the rest of 

 the head, upper part of the neck behind, and the throat black. 

 The lower part, with the rest of the body, ash grey, the scapularies, 

 upper and lower wing and tail coverts being of the same colour. 

 From the posterior angle of each eye is suspended a small plume of 

 white feathers, of about three inches and a half long, very flexible, 

 which hang behind, and move with each movement of the bird's head. 

 The bottom of the inferior part of the neck is covered with black 

 feathers, which are lengthened, and terminate in very flexible points, 

 some of which are nine inches long, and hang over the crop. The 

 primaries are ash- coloured on their basal, and black on their distal 



