THE URUBU. 



37 



reflections. Legs feathered to the knees; the feet somewhat webbed. 

 The bill nearly white, often tipped with bright olive green. Weight 

 from four and a half to five pounds. 



THE UEUBU. 



The Urubu is a species of American Vulture, one of many varieties 

 inhabiting the western continent. It is distinguished by its short, thick 

 beak, graduated tail and low tarsi. The bare parts of the neck are of 

 a flesh color, the top of the head is violet, the entire body, wings and 



THE URUBU. 



tail are brownest black, and gleam with a metallic lustre. The length 

 of this species is about twenty-two and its breadth sixty-three inches. 

 This bird lives for the most part in the vicinity of the coast. So highly 

 do the peojile value the services rendered by these Vultures that in 

 some districts it is made a punishable oifence to kill them. They are 

 gregarious, peaceable and harmless, never offering any violence to any 

 living animal, or like the plunderers of the Falco tribe, depriving the 

 husbandman of his stock. Hence, though in consequence of their filthy 

 habits they are not beloved, yet they are respected, and protected by law 

 for their usefulness. They generally roost in flocks on the limbs of 



