44 [April, 1846. 



The Committee on Mr. Wm. Gambel's paper, read at last 

 m eeting, reported in favour of publication. 



Remarks on the Birds observed in Upper California. 



By William Gambel. 



ACCIPITRES. 



Cathartes Californianus, Shaw. Californian Vulture. 



This immense and interesting bird, rivalling the condor in size, and con- 

 fined exclusively to the Pacific coast, is particularly abundant in California 

 during winter ; when they probably come from Oregon, as they are said to 

 disappear from the region of the Columbia at that time. 



It is not always so shy and difficult of approach, as has been reported, and 

 like the Turkey buzzard, it is most so when solitary, but often ventures to the 

 neighbourhood of the towns without much fear of man.* 



It is very voracious, and nothing less than the carcase of a horse or cow can 

 make a meal for many of them ; but such food is abundant, at least in the fall 

 of the year, where the dry pasturage has been destroyed by fire, accidentally 

 or intentionally, by the Indians. These fires extend over large tracts of coun- 

 try, and in consequence many cattle perish, as well as from the summer 

 drought. 



It is not uncommon to see them assemble with the gulls, and greedily 

 devour the carcase of a whale which had been cast ashore ; they will also 

 frequently pursue wounded game. 



The male in perfect plumage has the skin of the head and neck orange- 

 yellow, and the irides carmine. 

 Cathartes aura, Linn. Turkey Vulture. 



The Turkey buzzard is quite as abundant and familiar in California as it 

 is in the southern parts of the United States. It is seldom molested, on ac- 

 count of its usefulness in ridding the neighbourhood of the towns and farm 

 houses of the refuse of the cattle, which are slaughtered in great numbers. 



*I may mention here an instance of the great disposition in the Vultures to 

 become domesticated, and to show how much they differ in character from 

 the other Accipitres with which they are classified. A Condor, which I saw 

 in Valparaiso, Chili, during the early part of last year, was allowed to roam 

 the city at large, and from its remarkable docility received kind treatment 

 from every one. It would follow and walk alongside of a person like a dog, 

 for a considerable distance, and offer no resistance to being handled or have 

 its feathers or wings smoothed down. It would ascend a long hill leading to 

 a part of the city where the foreigners resided, and when tired of the place, 

 or after having obtained all it could procure to eat, it would spread its large 

 wings and soar down to the city, alighting perhaps on a steeple or other 

 lofty point. It would receive the caresses of children, and permit them to 

 beat it with switches, or even to attempt to get upon its back. It was fond 

 of thrusting its bill into my pocket, and under the straps of my pantaloonB, 

 at the same time shutting its eyes and allowing me to rub and scratch its 

 head. In fact, I think that I have never met with any bird which exhibited 

 more tameness or greater confidence in man than this large and remarkable 

 Condor. I was informed that several other similar instances had been known 

 there. 



