170 
GRUI FORMES 
Many specimens show considerable overwash of rusty red on back and up neck. This, 
except in juveniles that are naturally rusty, is an adventitious coloration due to iron rust 
from the water and is not a specific character. 
Field Marks. Easily recognized as a crane by heron-like outline, dull, even grey, or 
grey overwashed by rusty, red forehead and crown, and in flight at any distance by flying 
with head and neck outstretched (Figure 239) 
Nesting . On the ground in wet spots of the marshes or tundra. 
Distribution. Western north America, breeding in Canada west of the Great Lakes 
from below our boundaries northward into the Arctics. 
SUBSPECIES. Until lately our two cranes have been regarded as two distinct 
species, but the 1931 Check-list has united them as of only subspecific distinction. The 
Little Brown Crane that may now be called the Lesser Sandhill Crane (la Petite Grue 
grise) Grus canadensis canadensis differs only in being of smaller size, usually under 39 
inches, bill 5-5 inches or under, and tarsus less than 8-25. It is the more northern race 
breeding in the Arctics, south probably to about Great Slave Lake, migrating through 
the prairies and British Columbia to Mexico. The Greater Sandhill Crane (la Grande 
Grue grise) Grus canadensis tabida is larger, measurements greater than above. It nests 
throughout the Prairie Provinces and southern British Columbia indefinitely northward. 
The dividing line between the breeding ranges of the two forms is not knowm, but birds 
from Great Slave Lake have been referred to the Little Brown. South in winter to Mexico. 
The rattling, tinny trumpet note of these birds is one of the notable 
sounds of the west. It can be heard for miles. Far away and softened by 
the distance it reaches the ear; a glance around reveals no sign of life, then 
far off on the pale prairie horizon 
a few specks heave into sight, they 
grow into birds with wide-waving 
pinions, heads outstretched on 
slender necks as if reaching forward. 
Hoarse horn answers horn louder 
and clearer back and forth, through- 
out the long-drawn line, and they 
come on with stately measured beat 
at a pace that eats the miles. A 
neighbouring hill attracts them, 
they circle it to see that the coast 
is clear, and then settle on its top, 
silhouetted in black against the sky. 
For a moment the trumpetings 
redouble as they stand at full height 
and survey the country for possible 
dangers, then the sounds cease, one 
by one the heads drop, the necks gracefully curve as they search the 
ground about with delicate grace, picking up a morsel here or making a 
quick reach there with an agile step or two after a fleeing grasshopper. 
Should the observer show himself the quick eyes note at once, the trumpet 
is blown, and all are drawn up to attention again. Often, the flock quietly 
edges over the hilltop where with body hidden from view the birds observe 
the suspicious object intently, only the head showing periscope-like above 
the round swell of the hill. They veritably hide behind mountains and 
peer over the peaks. 
In mating season they perform strange dances, with jumping, bowing, 
and gesticulations, the long legs angling stiffly and on occasion the wings 
waving wildly. Sometimes the ritual culminates in raising a stick or frag- 
ment from the ground, and tossing it high in the air. The nest is solitary, 
Figure 243 
Longitudinal section through sternum 
of Sandhill Crane; 
scale, j. 
