RAPTORES : VULTURID^:. 121 



large size, and are characterized by strong, hooked bills, 

 sharp claws, great extent of wing, and very powerful 

 muscles ; and the females are generally larger than the 

 males. The plumage of the young and of the immature 

 differs greatly from that of the adult. They live in pairs, 

 and choose their mates for life. The Raptores comprise 

 three families, Vulturidae or Vulture Family, Falconidae 

 or Falcon Family, and Strigidae or Owl Family. 



VuLTURiDvE, OR VULTURE FAMILY. This Family 

 comprises rapacious birds which have the eyes on a level 

 with the sides of the head, which is partially naked or 

 only sparsely covered with downy feathers. The tal- 

 ons are comparatively slender, and but little curved. 

 Vultures are cowardly, seldom capturing prey unless 

 forced to do so by hunger, preferring to feed on dead 

 and decaying animals which they find, and which either 

 by scent or sight, or both together, they discover at great 

 distances. Of all animals, they are probably the most 

 gluttonous and loathsome in their manner of feeding. 

 They are found in nearly all countries of both hemi- 

 spheres. 



The Genus Vultur Vultures proper comprises the 

 Vultures of the Old World, and the King of Vultures, and 

 the Condor of South America. 



The Condor, V. gryphus, Linn., of the Andes, is the 

 largest of all the birds of prey, being four feet long, and 

 having a spread of wing of nine feet ; and it is said in 

 some cases the spread is fourteen feet. This gigantic 

 bird perches upon the high cliffs of the mountains till 

 impelled by hunger, when it soars away, sometimes at 

 the immense height of six miles, keenly surveying the 

 surrounding country for its accustomed food. 



The Genus Cathartes comprises the North American 

 Vultures. 



The Turkey Buzzard or Turkey Vulture, C. a^tm, Illig., 

 6 



