Family XXXIV.--Gruinae. Cranes.

Birds of America

By John James Audubon, F. R. SS. L. & E.

VOLUME V.

FAMILY XXXIV.--GRUINAE. CRANES.

Bill about the length of the head, straight, depressed at the base, compressed toward the end, rather obtuse. Nostrils sub-basal, lateral oblong. Head rather small, oblong; neck long; body large, compressed. Legs long and slender; tibia bare at the lower part; tarsus somewhat compressed, anteriorly scutellate; toes rather long, first short and somewhat elevated; claws obtuse. Plumage full and rather compact. Wings broad, convex, the inner secondaries elongated and decurved; tail short, rounded.