Hemisphere, from Central Siberia to Scandinavia, and from thence wanders
south as far as China, India, and Central and Western Africa. The
periodical migrations of these birds are remarkable for such punctuality
that for a long series of years they have been observed to pass through
France in the month of October, invariably returning during the latter
half of the month of March. On these occasions they always fly in large
flocks, which move with great rapidity; and alight during the day to rest
and seek for food. The Common Crane, although now only an occasional
visitor to England, was formerly much more common, and bred in the
marshes, which then afforded it food and shelter. Since these have been
drained, and the land cultivated, they have almost entirely disappeared.
In Charles II.'s time Sir Thomas Browne writes: "Cranes are often seen
here in hard weather, especially about the champaign and fieldy part.
It seems they have been more plentiful, for in a bill when the Mayor
entertained the Duke of Norfolk, I met with Cranes in a dish."
In an account preserved by Leland, in his "Collectanea Antiqua," of the
great feast at the enthronisation of George Nevill, Archbishop of York and
Chancellor of England, in the reign of King Edward IV., 204 Cranes form
a part of the goodly provision detailed; and in the second course of the
dinners, Crane forms the first "rost" dish, followed by "Cony, Heronshaw,
and Curlew."
During their migrations, these birds always fly in two lines, which in
front meet in an acute angle, thus forming a figure somewhat resembling
the Greek letter [Greek: g], which, indeed, is said to have derived its
shape from this very circumstance. One of the company always flies in
advance of the rest, and thus constitutes the vertex of the angle; and
if the movements of the flock are watched, it may readily be observed
that when this individual becomes fatigued by being the first to cleave
the air, it falls to the rear, and leaves the next in succession to take
its post. It has been noticed, moreover, that when the Cranes in their
migratory flights meet with a lofty mountain, they utter shrill cries,
appear anxious and restless, and fly without any kind of order. Gradually,
and each for itself, they now ascend spirally until such time as they have
attained sufficient height to pass over the obstacle, when, assuming their
original formation, they proceed on their course. At times their flight is
so very high that, notwithstanding each individual occupies a considerable
space, the birds themselves, though heard in the air, are not perceptible
to the naked eye. Their shrill, loud, and trumpet-like note is audible far
and near, and if at a short distance is almost deafening. Their voices
are rendered more powerful by the peculiar construction of the windpipe,
which forms several curvatures in the breast-bone, before descending into
and joining the lungs. This tall and stately bird, when it stands upright,
reaches to the breast of a man. It is of a shy and wary disposition, and
when a large flock alights in a field, either for the purpose of feeding
or resting, one or more of the party is always seen standing at some
little distance, with head erect, and evidently on the watch. On the
approach of danger this individual is the first to take wing, on which the
rest follow its example. The nest of the Crane is generally placed among
the thick reeds or in the luxuriant herbage of their favourite marshes,
but occasionally on the top of some deserted edifice. The eggs are two in
number, and have a greenish shell, spotted with brown. Both parents brood,
and feed their offspring at first in the nest; the young do not attain
their full strength of wing until several months old.
THE DEMOISELLE, OR NUMIDIAN CRANE.
The DEMOISELLE, or NUMIDIAN CRANE (_Anthropoides virgo_), is
distinguishable from its congeners by its short beak and entirely
feathered head, which is decorated with two flowing plumes; also by the
length of the plumage on the lower neck, and the prolonged but straight
feathers on the upper wing-covers. The unusually soft plumage is chiefly
light grey; the long feathers on the lower neck are deep black, the crests
pure white, and the quills greyish black; the eye is bright red; the
beak dull green at the base, horn-grey towards the extremity, and pale
red at the tip; the foot is black. This species is from thirty-two to
thirty-three inches long and sixty-four broad; the wing measures seventeen
and the tail six inches. The young are without the flowing feathers on the
head and neck.
This beautiful and attractive bird inhabits South-eastern Europe and
Central Asia, and is especially numerous at the mouth of the Volga, in
the countries bordering on the Caspian Sea, and in Mongolia and Tartary;
from thence it wanders as far as Southern India and Central Africa;
occasionally it has been also met with in South-western Europe. The
Demoiselle Crane arrives and departs about the same time as the other
members of the family, and like them frequents the vicinity of water or
morasses, but, according to Radde, sometimes occupies mountain regions,
even to an altitude of 3,500 feet above the sea. In its habits and modes
of life it closely resembles the Cranes already described, and like them
lays but two eggs. Both sexes brood, and commence their preparations about
April; by the end of July the young are fledged, and shortly after that
time are able to fly in company with the adults. The Demoiselles have
received their name from the dancing movements in which they frequently
indulge, the males entertaining the females and each other by leaping and
turning round, accompanying all their actions with a constant waving of
the head.
* * * * *
The AFRICAN CROWNED CRANES (_Balearica_) possess a powerful body,
moderate-sized neck, large head, and a strong, conical, slightly-curved
bill of medium length; the legs and feet are long; the claws strong; the
wings very much rounded, with the fourth quill longer than the rest; the
tail is short and straight; and the plumage thick. The back of the head
is adorned with a conspicuous plume of bristle-like feathers, while those
on the neck and upper breast are prolonged, and those on the wing-covers
disunited at the web; the prominent cheeks and throat are bare. The sexes
differ but little in colour; the young are of duller complexion than the
adults. These fine birds are natives of Africa, and have hitherto been
classed with the Cranes; owing, however, to the many important points in
which they differ from the members of that family, we have preferred to
place them in a different group.
THE CROWNED AFRICAN OR PEACOCK CRANE.
The CROWNED AFRICAN or PEACOCK CRANE (_Balearica pavonina_) has black
plumage, and a golden yellow and black crest; the feathers on the
wing-covers are pure white, and most of the upper secondaries reddish
brown, those at the exterior being golden yellow; the eye is white; the
cheeks are light flesh-pink above, and bright red below; the beak is
black, tipped with white; and the foot blackish grey. During the life of
this bird the plumage is covered with a blueish dust. The length of the
body is thirty-eight inches, the breadth seventy-two; the wing measures
nineteen inches and a half, and the tail eight inches and a half.
This species was formerly supposed to be a native of the Balearic Isles,
whence its scientific name. Central Africa, from 17° north latitude,
is, however, really its principal habitat; whilst in the most southern
portions of that continent it is replaced by a nearly-allied species.
In these regions it occupies the flat bush-covered shores of rivers and
streams, or light woods, and is to be seen during the day principally
upon the small islands and sandbanks, whither it comes in pairs or small
flocks, either to seek for food or to perform a variety of dancing
movements. During the rainy season these small parties often increase
to companies numbering more than one hundred birds, and occasionally
they associate with the Grey or Demoiselle Cranes. Upon the ground the
Crowned Crane usually walks erect and slowly, with its crest upraised;
but if sore pressed it can run with such swiftness as renders it a
matter of difficulty for a man to overtake it. Before rising into the
air it runs for a short distance with wings outspread, and then mounts
with slowly-flapping pinions, extended neck, and crest laid back. It is
at present uncertain whether both sexes indulge in the exercise above
alluded to, during which the performers often spring three or four feet
high, turn, twist, and step with their feet as if dancing. Their loud
call is supposed to resemble the Arabic word "Rharmuk," and may be heard
at the distance of at least a quarter of a mile. Seeds, grains, berries,
portions of plants, insects, and occasionally mussels or small fish,
are the principal food of these birds; and for these they begin to seek
about sunrise, and after feeding for about two hours bathe, dance, and
preen themselves. This one repast is usually sufficient for the entire
day; at night they fly with loud trumpeting cries to seek repose upon the
trees. We have seen as many as thirty or forty Peacock Cranes perching in
the branches, and from this circumstance conclude that they also breed
in similar situations. The capture of these birds is attended with much
difficulty, owing to their extreme shyness; when caught, however, they are
readily tamed, and carry on their dancing movements even in captivity.
* * * * *
The FIELD STORKS (_Arvicolæ_) have a short or moderately long bill, with
soft base and horny tip; high feet, furnished with small toes, the hinder
of which is too short to reach the ground; and medium-sized or short
wings. The tail is of various lengths, and the plumage rather thick;
the cheek-stripes and a patch around the eye are bare. These birds are
natives of South America, where they frequent dry, cultivated districts,
and subsist upon seeds and insects; their nests are placed on or near the
ground; the eggs are of uniform hue.
* * * * *
The SNAKE CRANES (_Dicholophus_) constitute a group of remarkable birds,
having a slender body, long neck, moderately large head, and short, hard,
powerful wings, in which the fourth and fifth quills are longer than the
rest, and shoulder-feathers prolonged. The long, decidedly-rounded tail
is formed of ten feathers, the slender beak is shorter than the head,
slightly compressed, straight or curved, and hooked at its tip. The long
legs are unfeathered, and the short toes armed with thick, hooked, and
pointed claws, resembling those of a bird of prey. The head-feathers
are soft, long, and pointed; and those on the brow graduated from the
base of the beak, till they form an upright crest. The plumage on the
belly and rump is of downy texture, and that about the base of the bill
bristle-like; the cheek-stripes are bare.
THE BRAZILIAN CARIAMA, OR CRESTED SCREAMER.
[Illustration: CROWNED, DEMOISELLE, AND COMMON CRANES.]
The BRAZILIAN CARIAMA, or CRESTED SCREAMER (_Dicholophus cristatus_), has
grey plumage, each feather delicately marked with zigzag lines of various
shades; upon the breast, the feathers are only marked upon the shaft;
and those on the lower belly are without any lines. The long feathers
on the head and neck are blackish brown, the quills brown, striped with
white; the two centre tail-feathers are greyish brown, the rest blackish
brown in the middle, and white at the base and tip. The eyes are light
sulphur-yellow, the cheek-stripes greyish flesh-pink, the bare eye-rings
blueish, and the feet reddish brown in front, and bright red at their
sides; the beak is coral-red. The female has shorter feathers on her head
and a yellowish shade in her plumage. The young resemble the mother. This
bird is from thirty-one to thirty-two inches long; the wing measures
fourteen and the tail twelve inches.
[Illustration: THE CARIAMA, OR CRESTED SCREAMER (_Dicholophus cristatus_).
ONE-SIXTH NATURAL SIZE.]
The Cariamas inhabit the extensive open meadows of Central Brazil, and
are also met with throughout a great portion of South America. In the
states of La Plata they are replaced by a very similar species. These
birds live in pairs or small families, and if disturbed, at once take
refuge in the long grass that covers their favourite haunts, peeping
forth from time to time, in order to reconnoitre, and forthwith returning
to their place of safety. So cautious are they, indeed, that Burmeister
tells us he has often heard their voices close to him during an entire
day, without ever succeeding in catching a glimpse of them. In the daytime
the Cariamas are occupied in searching for the insects, snakes, and other
reptiles upon which they subsist. Owing to the great services they render
by destroying the latter noxious creatures, the natives are forbidden
by law to kill them. Burmeister tells us that they also eat berries.
Unlike the Cranes, these birds are constantly in motion throughout the
day. According to the Prince von Wied, they occasionally repose upon the
branches, but if alarmed, at once return to the ground, and endeavour to
save themselves by running, a mode of locomotion which they perform with
such extraordinary rapidity as to outstrip a horseman. The harsh loud
voice of this species has been compared to the barking or yelping of a
young dog, or the hoarse cry of a bird of prey. These most unpleasing
sounds are sometimes continued for half an hour at a time, the noisy
performer sitting upright on a branch, and turning its head about in a
sort of accompaniment to its harsh screams, which Burmeister remarks are
enough to drive any person with weak nerves from its vicinity. During the
period of incubation, the males contend fiercely, tearing each other with
their beaks, and presenting a most ludicrous appearance, as, with plumage
inflated and tail fully spread, they bound into the air. The nest is
usually placed in trees, at no great height from the ground, and is formed
of dry twigs, lined with a coating of clay or dung. The two eggs, which
are about as large as those of the Peacock, have a white shell, sparsely
dotted with rust-red. The young, when first hatched, are clad in thick
reddish down, marked with deep greyish brown, and remain for some time
in the nest. The Crested Screamers are readily tamed and reared in the
poultry-yard. Burmeister saw two of these birds that were domesticated in
a farmhouse, standing warming themselves at the fire among a group of men
and children. If driven forcibly to one side, they merely retired quietly
to a short distance, and almost immediately returned to their former
position. Although the flesh of the Cariama is white and well-flavoured,
it is seldom killed, as its swiftness of foot renders its capture a work
of much difficulty, even to a mounted sportsman. The plan usually adopted,
according to the Prince von Wied, is to follow it patiently on horseback,
until at last it is driven into a corner and becomes too weary to make
further attempts to escape or elude pursuit.
* * * * *
The TRUMPETERS (_Psophia_) possess a powerful body, moderately long neck,
medium-sized head, and short, curved beak, compressed at its sides and
hooked at its tip. The feet are high, the tarsi long, the toes short, and
armed with curved sharp claws; the exterior and centre toes are united by
a short skin; the arched wing has its fourth quill longer than the rest;
the tail is short and weak, and the plumage principally composed of large
feathers. Those on the head and neck are of velvety, and those on the
under side of downy texture.
These birds frequent the South American forests, where they render
themselves conspicuous by their most peculiar and noisy cry. This loud
trumpet-like sound is uttered six or seven times in succession, without
opening the beak, and is so deep and sonorous that it appears to proceed
from the bird's entire body. According to Pallas, the strange noise
results from a peculiar construction of the windpipe, which at its upper
portion is as thick as a Swan's quill, but becomes more slender as it
enters the chest, when it gives off two membranous semicircular air-bags,
of which the right is the largest, and divided into three or four cells.
The hollow internal drumming, preceded by a wild cry, is evidently
produced by the vibration of the air forced into these air-bags by the
action of the muscles of the thorax. During the performance the chest
heaves as in birds when singing.
THE AGAMI, OR GOLD-BREASTED TRUMPETER.
The AGAMI, or GOLD-BREASTED TRUMPETER (_Psophia crepitans_), is black upon
the head, neck, upper back, wings, lower breast, belly, and rump; the
shoulder-feathers are purplish black, shaded with blue or green; the upper
breast is steel-blue, with a copper-red sheen. The eye is reddish brown,
the bare ring around it flesh-pink, the beak greenish white, and the foot
yellowish pink. This species is twenty inches long; the wing measures
eleven inches, and the tail one inch.
The Agami occupies such parts of South America as are situated north of
the Amazon, while on the other side of that mighty stream it is replaced
by another but nearly-allied species. Both occupy forests, and are met
with in large flocks, that often number some two hundred birds. These
parties wander about together in search of the fruit, berries, seeds, and
insects upon which they subsist; and usually move with a slow and stately
step, enlivening themselves from time to time by leaping into the air
with a variety of ludicrous movements, and if disturbed, they at once seek
safety by running. Their flight is so weak, according to Schomburghk, that
when crossing a river they are often compelled to drop upon the water and
save themselves by swimming. This statement explains the reason why the
habitat of the two species is so strictly confined to the two sides of
the Amazon. If much pressed, after running some distance, they flutter
into the branches or lie close to the ground, and are then readily shot.
When alarmed, their remarkable cry is heard to most advantage. The Agamis
usually deposit their eggs in a slight hollow on the ground, generally
at the foot of a tree. The eggs have a light green shell, and are ten
in number. The young leave the nest as soon as they are hatched, but do
not lose their downy covering till they are several weeks old. These
interesting birds become remarkably docile when domesticated, as the
following account, drawn from the "Galerie des Oiseaux," will show:--"The
Agami soon learns to obey the voice of its master, follows him wherever
he goes, and appears delighted at receiving his caresses; it welcomes his
return with alacrity, and seems to repine at his absence. In the same
proportion that it appreciates the favours bestowed upon it, it is jealous
of any rival. Should even a dog approach, it immediately assails it with
its beak and drives it to a distance, with every symptom of displeasure.
It presents itself regularly at the dinner-table, from which it chases all
domestic animals, and sometimes even the negroes who wait at table, should
they happen to be strangers, and only asks for a share of the dinner after
it has expelled from the room all who might aspire to favourable notice
from the family. It is remarkably courageous; dogs of moderate size are
obliged to cede to its authority. It walks out alone, without any danger
of losing itself, and it is even asserted that an Agami may be trusted
with the care of a flock of sheep, and that every morning it will drive
ducks and fowls to their feeding-place and bring them home at night, after
carefully collecting any stragglers. As for the bird itself, it is never
shut up, but sleeps just where it pleases, upon the roof of a barn, or
in the farmyard." Its trumpeting is described as resembling the sound
produced by a person endeavouring to pronounce "Tou, tou, tou; tou, tou,
tou," with his mouth shut, or the doleful noise made by the Dutch bakers,
who blow a glass trumpet to inform their customers when their bread is
taken out of the oven.
* * * * *
The SCREAMERS (_Palamedeæ_) constitute a group of strange birds,
possessing large heavy bodies, long necks, small heads, long powerful
wings, strong tail, and moderately high, thick foot, with remarkably long
toes. The bill is shorter than the head, compressed at the culmen, hooked
at its tip, and covered with a cere at its base. The legs are partially
bare, and the exterior and middle toes connected by a skin; the hind
toe is so long as to touch the ground; the claws are of moderate size,
slightly hooked, and pointed. In the wing the third quill is longer than
the rest, and the rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers; the plumage
of the body is thick; the neck is covered with small feathers. The members
of this group have two powerful spurs on the joint of the wing, and one
species has a horny protuberance on the head. The sexes are unlike in
colour.
The Screamers frequent the marshy grounds of South America, where they
live in pairs or small parties. In disposition they are extremely timid
and shy, but soon betray their presence by their noisy vociferations.
Seeds and portions of plants constitute their principal fare, but they do
not reject insects, small reptiles, or even fishes. Upon the ground they
move with much dignity, and in their manner of flight nearly resemble
some of the larger birds of prey; when at rest, they generally perch on
the branches of lofty trees. Although usually peaceful, they exhibit much
courage if attacked, and defend themselves boldly with the formidable
spurs upon their wings. The nest is large, situated on the ground in their
favourite marshes, and contains two unspotted eggs. The horn and spurs of
this bird are much esteemed by the Indians as healing remedies, and in
many parts of the interior are articles of trade.
THE ANIUMA, OR HORNED SCREAMER.
The ANIUMA, or HORNED SCREAMER (_Palamedea cornuta_), is characterised by
a horn upon the brow, its thickly-plumaged bridles, and the short feathers
on its head and neck. The horn of this species, which is about five or six
inches long, either straight and upright or slightly curved, is situated
near the beak, and is about a line and a half in diameter at its base.
The upper wing-spur is about two inches long, pointed and triangular, and
curves gently upwards; and the lower one strong, almost straight, and
about four lines long. The velvety feathers on the crown are whitish grey
tipped with black; those of the cheeks, throat, neck, back, breast, wings,
and tail are blackish brown; those on the shoulder and large wing-covers
of a greenish metallic shade; and the small cover-feathers yellowish
at their roots. The feathers on the lower throat and upper breast are
silver-grey, broadly edged with black, and those of the belly and rump
pure white, the horn whitish grey, and the foot slate-colour. This bird is
thirty inches long and seventy-eight broad; the wing measures twenty-one,
and the tail eleven inches.
[Illustration: THE GOLD-BREASTED TRUMPETER (_Psophia crepitans_).]