Genus GRUS or CRANES. 



Type GRUS CINEREA. 



Grus of Bechstein (1793). — The birds comprising the present 

 genus — and the only one in the family — are separated by the 

 same characteristics as those that define the GRUiDiE from sur- 

 rounding groups. It is true this small and compact family has 

 been subdivided into several genera, but the characters on 

 which they are based do not appear to me to be of sufficient 

 importance and value. 



By placing all the known species therefore in one genus, the 

 number of species and their distribution are the same as those 

 already given in the remarks on the family. Two species are 

 accidental visitors to the British Islands. 



The Cranes are dwellers on large plains and in swamps, and are 

 remarkable for their extended migrations. Their flight is powerful 

 and sustained. Their notes are loud and trumpet-like. They 

 make huge nests on the ground in swamps, and their eggs are 

 usually two, but sometimes three in number, and handsomely 

 spotted. Their food consists of grain, seeds, shoots of herbage, 

 lizards, snakes, and small animals. They are monogamous. 



