CATHARTIDiE, AMERICAN VULTURES. 373 



these eggs, however, I was made aware of one interesting fact, namely, 

 that some are ellipsoidal, or prolately spheroidal, having both ends of 

 the same size and shape, while others (the greater number) are truly 

 ovoidal, in the sense that one extremity is narrower and more pointed 

 than the other, and that the greatest diameter consequently lies nearer 

 one end than the other. "^ 



The eggs measure on an average a little less than 2^ inches in length, 

 by a little more than If in breadth ; thus, one specimen was exactly 

 2.40 by 1.80 ; so much is easily affirmed. It is a difficult matter to 

 describe the markings. Some eggs are white, almost uniform, or with 

 numerous dots and tine points of brown evenly scattered over all the 

 surface ; others are wholly of a deep, rich, warm brown, the uniformity 

 of which is scarcely relieved, and only by a slightly paler or darker 

 clouding in some places. These are extremes, between which most 

 specimens are intermediate, ranging through every degree of blotching 

 'and splashing, with various shades of dark brown upon a pale brown, 

 bufty, fulvous, or tawny ground. The shade of these different browns 

 varies from light sienna, almost golden or russet, to a deep red, almost 

 blackish. Some of the most beautiful specimens are those without 

 blotches, but artistically clouded with indeterminate hues. The various 

 markings generally tend to aggregate together and deepen in shade 

 around the larger end. 



Audubon's biography of this species, and Heermann's noticeably 

 similar account, i)resent the predominant traits of the bird's character. 

 It is nearly a Vulture, in almost every respect of mind, body, and — 

 egg ; approaching, in fact, those obvscene birds so closely, that some 

 have entertained doubts of its proper location among FaIconid(c. It 

 surpasses Harris' Buzzard, a not distant ally, in those traits of mind 

 and conditions of body that develope to a maximum among Vulturidie. 

 There is a naked space on the breast, and partial denudation about the 

 sides of the head near the bill ; the tibial feathers are short, not flow- 

 ing; the scutellation of the tarsus is peculiar, and there is considerable 

 webbing between the toes. The bird is a dullard ; spiritless and unam- 

 bitious; it walks and leaps like a Turkey Buzzard, and stands, like that 

 species, with its wings half si)read toward the sun ; its motions are 

 sluggish and unattractive, its attitudes slouchy and negligent; finally, 

 it feeds on carrion, and its body exhales bad odors. Altogether, this 

 species is a rather difficult subject for the systeuiatic naturalist, esi)e- 

 cially viewing the fact that in some structural points it comes nearest 

 the typical Falcons. 



Family CATHAETID^ : American Vultares. 



Tlie American Vultures are so remarkably distinguished from those 

 of the Old World, that they should properly constitute a family ajiart. 

 They are more sluggish birds, with little or none of the spirit that allies 

 the truo Vultures ( Vultunna) with the typical birds of i>rey. The ex- 

 ternal characters, as well as those to be drawn from the internal struc- 

 ture, are notably ditterent. Prominent among the former is the eleva- 

 tion of the hind toe above the level of the rest, betokening an iiiterest- 

 ing analogy, if not actual affinity, with the gallinaceous birds ; and there 

 is something in the general aspect of our commonest species that has 

 given it the name of Turkey Buzzanl. The claws are weak ; the ante- 

 rior toes long, with a web at their bases. The nostrils are very large 

 and pervious, whereas those of the true Vultures are sei)arated by au 



