218 BIRDS IN THEIR RELATIONS TO MAN. 



around are aware that something in the shape of food has 

 been found. 



The turkey-buzzard is a summer and winter resident 

 throughout the United States as far north as tlie latitude of 

 40 degrees, and occurs in sunniier still farther north. F'or 

 instance, it is abundant throughout the year in southern 

 Illinois, and is sometimes seen in summer in northern Illinois. 

 It is a more graceful bird than the carrion crow. In tlie 

 breeding season each female lays two eggs on the ground 

 or in a hollow tree or stump. 



The black vulture is darker colored than the turkey- 

 buzzard and the feathers extend farther up on the back of 

 the neck. Its nesting habits are similar to those of the other 

 species. It is not commonly found so far north as the 

 turkey-buzzard, although like that bird it is abundant in 

 Central and South America. 



These birds both belong to the family Cathartidce, which is 

 composed of the American vultures. The only other member 

 of the family occurring in the United States is the Californian 

 condor, a large bird found on the Pacific coast with habits 

 similar to those of the turkey-buzzard. 



