260 KEY TO THE WATER BIRDS OF FLORIDA, 
Length, about 23; Wing, 13.20; Tail, 4; Tarsus, 3.70; Bill, 2.60. 
Immature birds have the crown dusky streaked with white or buffy white, the rest of the 
plumage heavily mottled, blotched with pointed marks of brown; also marked with buff and 
dull white. Primaries slate color, showing no rufous. The immature birds of this species 
somewhat resemble those of the Black-crowned Night Heron, but differ from it, having the head 
darker and no rufous on the primaries. 
This species occurs in Eastern North America from the Carolinas south 
to South America and the West Indies. It has been recorded as far north 
as Massachusetts. It breeds commonly in Florida, The nest is built in 
trees, and the eggs are four or five in number and pale blue. 
ORDER PALUDICOL. 
CRANES, RAILS, ETC. 
SuBORDER GRUES. 
CRANES. 
Famity GRUIDE. CRANES. 
Genus GRUS Pattas. 
GRUS AMERICANA (Ziuz.). 
Whooping Crane. 
Adult: Bare part of the head hairy ; plumage white; primaries black; bill greenish; legs 
black; bare skin on the head carmine red. The immature birds have the head feathered and 
the general plumage brownish gray. 
Length, 52; Wing, 23.50; Tail, 8.40; Bill, 6.10; Tarsus, 12. 
This species is a rare bird on the Atlantic coast, although it was formerly 
not uncommon and has been recorded from New England. It now inhabits 
