VULTURES. 



277 



The genus Otogyps is distinguished by its bare head, with fleshy folds arising 

 beneath the ears and falling down the sides of the neck, forming the so-called ear- 

 lappets. The Nubian vulture, Otogyps auricularis, is found only in Africa, and the 

 most typical specimens only in the southern part. The Pondicherry vulture, 0. calvus, 

 occurs in India, and thence eastward to Siam. It is much smaller and darker than 

 the preceding, has a small ruff of black feathers about the neck, and the inner face of 



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FIG. 130. Otogyps calvus, Pondiclierry vulture. 



the thigh is bare. It is rather a solitary bird, rarely more than two or three being 

 seen together, nests usually in trees, and lays white eggs. 



The genus Neophron probably comprises but two species, percnopterus and pilea- 

 tus, the latter confined to Africa, the former having a much wider distribution. In 

 India, a smaller race of percnopterus is found, sometimes considered a distinct species 

 under the name ginginianus, while in tropical Africa a similar race of the more 

 southern pileatus exists. 



The typical Egyptian vulture, N~. percnopterus, is sometimes found in northern 

 Europe, and has once or twice occurred in England. It is abundant in all the coun- 



