GRUIDiE — THE CRANES — GRUS. 
409 
differences between them except in size. In this connection, however, the reader is referred to 
the “ Bulletin of the Nuttall Ornithological Club ” for April, 1880, p. 123, and for July, 1880, p. 
187, where Mr. J. A. Allen and Mr. Ridgway, respectively, consider them distinct species. 
The larger and better-known race of the Sandhill Crane (here called mexicana) 
while having, to a large extent, the same distribution as the americana, is found to 
extend its movements over a somewhat larger territory, breeding much farther south 
than the Whooping Crane, and being distributed as far west as the Pacific coast, 
where G. americana is unknown. Where the two are found together this is ever 
the more abundant species. It is an occasional straggler to New England, and is also 
known to breed in Cuba, and possibly in others of the West India Islands. 
In Southeastern Oregon Captain Bendire found this a common summer resident, 
breeding abundantly on the lowlands as well as in the highest mountain valleys. Its 
hoarse cries could be heard almost everywhere in the vicinity of water so long 'as the 
locality remained quiet. Each pair appeared to have a certain district during the 
breeding-season, and he never found two pairs breeding within half a mile of each 
other. 
Dr. Cooper speaks of this species as descending from the mountains into the San 
Joaquin Valley, California, about September 15tli, when the low water enables it to 
obtain an abundance of fish and other food. 
He also mentions meeting with two individuals of this species among the mountains 
of Montana, but none elsewhere, excepting a tame one near Port Colville. This bird 
would follow their horses for some distance, apparently for the pleasure of the race, 
running with outspread wings until it had been passed, then flying ahead and circling 
around to meet them again. 
Elsewhere Dr. Cooper speaks of this as being an abundant species in California 
during the colder months, some remaining throughout the summer among the summits 
of the Sierra Nevada. They arrive from the north in flocks about the last week in Sep- 
tember, and in the interior apparently go south of the limits of California, as he has 
seen returning flocks passing to the north, over the Colorado Valley, about the 13tli of 
March. At this season they rise from the ground by laborious flappings, circling 
around higher and higher, until they get so far up as to seem like flocks of butterflies, 
and then gradually move northward ; but most of these migrations are done at night. 
Their cry, almost constantly heard when they are flying, Dr. Cooper states, is a rattling- 
sound exactly like that made by the blocks and ropes when hoisting sail on a vessel. 
They also at times have a loud whooping cry. He adds that this bird builds its nest 
on the ground, in May, on some elevated spot, among ferns, where it may be partly 
concealed, and yet whence the approach of danger can be perceived. The young of 
this species are often raised from the nest, becoming very familiar and amusing, 
showing much sagacity and a disposition to join in play with their friends. But as 
pets they sometimes become dangerous, from a propensity to use their sharp bills too 
freely, even pecking at the eyes of the children with whom they are%playing. 
The Sandhill Crane feeds on all the small animals it can catch, such as mice, frogs, 
grasshoppers, etc., and probably on young birds. In a state of- domestication it is 
omnivorous, eating bread and vegetables also. It does not usually frequent the sea- 
shore, nor is it often found in wet places, but prefers dry prairies, ploughed fields, 
sandy hills, and like places, and in this respect is unlike the Heron family. It 
is a very wary bird, and difficult of approach within shooting distance, and can 
be reached only by stratagem. As food Dr. Cooper regards it as nearly equal to the 
Turkey, especially when young; and it is constantly brought to the San Francisco 
market during the cooler months. 
vol. i. — 52 
