THE KAFIR CROWNED CRANE 



The food of these cranes consists chiefly of various kinds of grain and other 

 seeds, among which those of durrha or Kafir millet form the largest portion. The 

 seed-spikes of grass, buds of trees, and fruits, as well as a certain proportion of 

 insects, are, however, also devoured by these birds. 



Very curious are the attitudes assumed by these handsome birds, especially 

 when they are surprised or under the influence of excitement. On such occasions 

 they place themselves in wonderful postures, bending their bodies up and down, 

 spreading out their wings, and then joining their fellows in a dance, during which 

 they often spring a yard high in the air, while all the time their feet are alternately 

 lifted and put down in regular rhythm. 



The daily life of the crowned crane displays great uniformity. At sunrise 

 the whole flock flies out into the veldt, where its members search for food at least 

 a couple of hours ; then they proceed to the water to drink, and spend the day in 

 digesting their morning's meal. Their favourite resort for the day is a sandbank 

 far out in a river, where they can stand and preen their feathers or doze without 

 fear of interruption. At evening the flock returns to its sleeping-quarters in the 

 forest. 



All the graceful habits of these cranes can be studied in Europe, where the 

 birds flourish in confinement, if given sufficient room. In captivity they soon 

 learn to associate with the human beings and animals with whom they are brought 

 into contact, and are specially keen in discriminating between those who treat them 

 well and those who dislike their companionship. These cranes are also to be met 

 with in every Kafir village, while they are likewise frequently tamed by the 

 European settlers in both South and East Africa. 



In Europe the group is represented by the ordinary grey crane {Grits cinerea) 

 and the elegant demoiselle crane (G. virgo), both of which lack the crests of their 

 crowned relatives. 



It will be observed that in this notice the name " Kafir" is spelt with one f\ 

 this being the proper orthography, as the word is the Arabic " Kafir," an unbeliever, 

 this being exemplified in the name "Kafiristan," the land of infidels. 



37 



