VULTURID^^E — THE VULTURES — CATIIARTES. 



495 



jecting even with sides of head. Head sparsely covered with downy featli- 

 ers only, or partially naked. Claws weak, rather slender, and hut moder- 

 ately curved ; tarsi and hases of the toes reticulated. 



Tiiese birds feed wholly on carrion, and are cowardly and gregarious. 

 They are numerous in licit climates, Ijoth in species and individuals. Some 

 kinds kill small animals. 



Gexus CATHARTES, Illigek. 



Catliartes, Illiger, Pr. Syst. JIamm. ct Av. 1811. 



Gex. Char. Bill long and straight to the curved tip ; cere extending beyond middle 

 of bill ; nostrils narrow, elongated, and pervious, situated near middle of bill ; tongue chan- 

 nelled and serrated. Head elongated, flattened, and wrinkled ; neck with patches of naked 

 skin ; tail of twelve feathers. Tarsus rather slender ; toes long, the lateral ones ecjual, 

 united by a web at base. Third quill longest. 



This genus is the American representative of the true Ynltnvcs (Vultiir), 

 of tlie old continent. There are five species known besides the two found 

 within this State. 



Of the vultures there are two principal divisions, one with the nostrils on 

 opposite sides separated Ijy a bony partition, tlie other lacking such a wall. 

 The lirst emliraces the Old World species, the other tlie New. 



C. CalifnrnianuK. Young 



