VULTURINE CARACARA EAGLE. 



We sometimes meet with fonns which appear as links between others, of which the 

 bird thus represented is an example ; mdicathig the continuity of affinity between the Eagle . 

 and Vulture families. The approach is much more nearly to the latter than the Brazilian 

 caracara. Two that were in the possession of the Zoological Society, were actually sold 

 to them under the name of " Pharaoh's chickens," the common designation of the Egyptian 

 vulture. And yet there is no inconsiderable dissimilai-ity. Indeed, however, they differ 

 in many essential particulars, the very distinct character of their beak is alone fidly suffi- 

 cient to remove any impression of similarity which might otherwise be produced by their 

 comcideuce in genei-al appearance. In the latter respect, as well as in several of their 

 technical characters, they are truly vulturine ; while in many points of structure, in their 

 air, and in their habits, they seem to approach more nearly to the eagles. 



The beak of these birds is deep, elongated, and nearly similar in form to that of the 

 caracara, but much more compi-essed and flattened at the sides ; its upper surface is 

 arched for the greater part of its length, the extreme point terminating considerably 

 below the extremity of the lower mandible, which is embraced within it, and the opening 

 being long, straight, and without dentation. The nostrils are placed transversely, and 

 are long-oval in their form, and in these respects they diffijr from those of the caracara. 

 The naked space of th'e cheeks is less extensive, and less defined at its edges, but entirely 

 surrounds the eyes, which are placed in both birds almost on a level with the general 

 surface of the head. In the birds now under consideration, the head is narrower and 

 less flattened above, and the neck more elongated ; both which circumstances, as well as 

 the somewhat downy character of the feathers by which these parts are covered, tend to 

 increase their resemblance to the vulture tribes. The wings are long, reaching to, or 

 even beyond, the extremity of the tail, and are rounded in their outline. The tail is 

 even and slightly rounded ; the rather long and slender legs are naked and reticulated 

 from the joint downwards ; the toes are rather short ; and the talons weak and but little 

 curved — the imier and the posterior being alone capable of grasping with any degree of 

 firmness. 



* Vultur Anofolensia. Latli. 



