214 Messrs. Sclatcr and Salvin on the 



253. Gyparchus papa (Linn.). (N. A.) 



It is only on the coast-regions that the King Vulture is found ; 

 it does not extend its range into the central district. In the 

 above localities it is frequently to be observed either soaring high 

 in the air, and wheeling in circles during the heat of the day, or 

 presiding over a putrid carcase, and diiving off any presump- 

 tuous Black Vulture that may venture to approach within pre- 

 scribed hmits. Having eaten his fill, he sits in a tree hard by 

 the carcase, sleeping and digesting his meal, while his late 

 attendants fight and scramble for each disgusting morsel. The 

 Spanish term for this bird is " el Rey Zopilote," exactly answer- 

 ing to our King Vulture. 



Fam. II. FALCONIDiE. 



Subfam. Polyborin^. 



254. PoLYBORUs THARUs (Moliua) : Baird^s Report, p. 45. 

 (N.A.) 



This bird is universal in its distribution throughout the 

 country, and appears equally abundant everywhere. At Duefias 

 it is a constant resident, and breeds in the surrounding hills. 



The food of this species consists principally of the ticks of 

 animals. 



255. Ibycter americanus (Bodd.) : PI. Enl. 417: Falco 

 aquilinus, Gm. 



In the Pacific coast-region this bird is found ; and its extra- 

 ordinary cry, well expressed by the word ' cacao,' uttered with 

 the first syllabic reiterated several times, may not unfrequently 

 be heard resounding through the dense tropical forest. It would 

 appear to be confined to this region, since no examples have been 

 as yet forwarded to this country through the instrumentality of 

 Mr. Skinner or other hands. The species may be generally 

 observed in pairs, seldom singly ; but sometimes several occur 

 together. The cry is made by the bird when sitting on a branch ; 

 and the tail is expanded with a jerk, on the utterance of each 

 note. 



