136 EGYPTIAN BIRDS 
Lapland and Siberia, but that they do there is 
abundance of proof; and it must always be 
remembered that these migrant birds seem to 
choose the most northerly point of their migration 
to breed and rear their young, so that when you 
see flocks wending their way back in the spring- 
time all up the Nile valley you must picture them 
as on their way to their northern homes, either 
in North Germany, Russia, or Scandinavia. They 
make but a rough nest on the ground in some 
parts of the great marshes they love, on little 
islands or tussocks of coarse grass. Only two 
eggs are laid, of a rich brown colour with dark 
spots: and the young are especially lively, running 
about with ease a few days after being hatched. 
Therein they contrast strongly with the young of 
the Heron, which remain in the nest for long 
weeks, and must have every scrap of food brought 
right up to their nursery. 
Cranes’ plumage, after the summer’s work is over, 
fades very greatly, and I have seen it stated that 
the lovely lilac-grey altogether vanishes, leaving but 
a very dirty, grey-brownish plumage. This is also 
true of the Heron, and doubtless of all birds whose 
delicately coloured plumage is put on for the breed- 
ing season, for the wear and tear that these delicate 
