AbstractComparative anatomical studies of the avian middle ear provide structural data from which functional models can be derived. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses may reveal the phylogenetic history of taxon and the evolution of the functional model of the middle ear. We studied serial sections of a nestling of Grus japonensis. The microscopic anatomy of the middle ear (including skeletal parts, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and tympanic recesses) was described with the help of a polystyrene plate reconstruction. These results were compared to those from skulls of adult cranes. Structural peculiarities of the crane middle ear are: 1) the ventral and anterior closure of the middle ear cavity by a dense plate of connective tissue, which ossifies during posthatching development; 2) the S‐shaped infracolumellar process of the columella, of which the distal end forms a horizontal bar, and abuts against the ventral wall of the middle ear cavity; and 3) the absence of an intracolumellar hinge between the stapes and extracolumella. The crane middle ear shows the plesiomorphic pattern of middle ear structures of neognathous birds. We propose a one‐lever‐arm functional model for the middle ear of the crane, similar to that of paleognathous birds. J. Morphol. 257:260–269, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.