VULTURES AND RAVENS 5 



birds rushed at the carcass, and the usual fighting, flapping 

 of wings, screaming and tearing, went on again. We have 

 repeatedly seen how the Common Vulture stands in awe of 

 the Black, but the above-cited case was the most pronounced 

 and remarkable one of all. 



There is a popular belief prevalent amongst the country- 



Fig. 2.— Black Vulture. 

 (Photo, by late Lieut. Giovanetti, R.A.F.) 



folk that Vultures will not eat an animal killed by lightning, 

 but this is a fallacy. It may have occurred, but we know of 

 innumerable instances where sheep, goats and cattle so killed 

 have been devoured, and Mr. L. E. Taylor records a case 

 where a small flock of sheep killed by lightning were subse- 

 quently eaten by both Common and Black Vultures. 



The Black Vulture nests in trees, building a large structure, 



