[ 3 ] 
THE CROWNED AFRICAN CRANE. 
Ardea Payonina. 
L’Oiseau Royal. 
Crowned Heron. 
Crowned African Crane. 
Lin . Syst. i. p. 2 3 3 . l . 
Buff. Orn. v. p. 5 11. 
Lath. iii. p. 3 4. 
Edzv. iv. p. 19 2. 
This bird was first brought into Europe by the Portuguese in the fifteenth 
century; it is a native of Africa, particularly on the Coast of Guinea, 
Gambia, the Gold Coast, and as far as Cape Verd; where it is so far do- 
mesticated as frequently to associate and feed with the common poultry. 
I have had frequent opportunities of. examining several of these birds in 
this very curious collection : this beautiful subject was presented to Lady 
Ducie by the Countess of Chatham, in the most perfect state of plumage. 
Though less graceful than the Numidian Crane, it is yet more gentle 
and familiar. It is much delighted with being taken notice of, and was a 
constant attendant on those who visited this delightful spot, making the 
tour of the menagery, with slow but measured steps; and always parting 
with the company with much apparent regret, which it expressed by raising 
the head, extending the neck, and making a hoarse unpleasant cry, some* 
what resembling the Crane. 
When erect, it is near four feet high, and measures from wing to wing 
five feet four inches. It runs with great rapidity; and not only flies very 
well, but is able, like the Crane, to sustain it for a long time together. In 
a state of nature, it frequents the banks of large rivers, and, like the Heron 
tribe, feeds on small fish, worms, and seeds. 
As it had the advantage of every accommodation, it bore the severity oi 
our climate very well. This was the female ; but the drawing being taken 
when the bird was in its most perfect state, it is very little, if at all, inferior 
to the male, either in size or beauty. 
