|
|
|
Sarus
Crane |
Grus
antigone |
|
Possible
regional races (polytypic)
|
|
|
-G. a. antigone |
|
| Grus antigone antigone |
) |
Please click for a larger popup |
It
feeds less exclusively perhaps on grain than the other Cranes met
with in India, and is very generally found not far from water. It
breeds on some island or spot nearly surrounded by water, laying two
eggs only, of a very pale bluish green colour, with a few reddish
spots. The eggs are figured by Blyth in Jardine's Illustrations of
Ornithology, he states that it has bred in captivity. The nest is
sometimes commenced below water, and is raised some inches above the
surface. The young have the head and neck dull ferruginous. The old
birds, when sitting, or with their young, are very bold, facing an
intruder, be it dog or man, lowering their head and spreading out
their large wings in a most formidable looking manner. Its fine trumpet-like
call, uttered when alarmed or on the wing, can be heard a couple of
miles off. In most parts of the country it is so confiding and fearless
in its habits as to preclude the sportsman from shooting it; and in
the territories of Holkar it is, if not venerated, esteemed so highly
as to be held sacred from the Shikaries, and I have known complaints
made against Officers for shooting them.
|
About/Terms of use etc. at the home page
Copyright © 2006 birdpoints. All rights reserved.