The Whooping Crane, (Grus americana), is the largest, the handsomest and the rarest crane species in America. Its great size and its pure-white plumage—except its primaries—render it conspicuous from afar, and its voice will carry half a mile. The arched secondary wing feathers of the adult give the bird a very jaunty appearance. This species is so rare that thus far we have been able in eight years to secure only three specimens. The Whooping Crane nests in summer in the Arctic regions, but in winter it ranges as far south as Mexico. Our specimens of this bird will in summer be found in the large paddock immediately north of the Aquatic Bird House, with the next species.
The Sandhill Crane, (Grus mexicana), is smaller than the preceding species, more common, and is frequently seen in captivity. Its color is slaty-blue. It is found in the southeastern United States, but once was fairly common throughout the Mississippi valley. In captivity this bird often indulges in some very droll antics—at times actually dancing. The adult males are often quite pugnacious, and inclined to attack those who go near them, and all visitors are warned not to go within striking distance of them. Children especially should not be permitted to climb over the guard wires, and approach close up to the cranes’ fences.
ASIATIC WHITE CRANE.
PARADISE CRANE.
The Sarus Crane, of the plains and sand-bars of northern India, (Antigone antigone), greatly resembles our sandhill crane, but is a much larger bird. This also is a quarrelsome species, and in captivity individuals are inclined to be cruel toward each other.
The Asiatic White Crane, (Sarcogeranus leucogeranus), is like a modest understudy to our whooping crane, in all respects save the elevated tail-crest. It is a bird of wide distribution.
The Paradise Crane, (Tetrapteryx paradisea), of the open plains of Africa outside the deserts, is a slaty-blue bird with a head so puffed out with side feathers that it looks almost reptilian. Its tail-feathers taper out to infinity, and gracefully droop quite to the ground. The little African Demoiselle Crane, (Anthropoides virgo), is so diminutive, so dainty in appearance and so gentle-spirited that its young-ladylikeness has been proclaimed in its name. Of all foreign species of cranes, it is the one easiest to procure, and the most satisfactory to keep in collections. It never quarrels, it is very sociable in its habits, and thrives in captivity.
