76 The Wilson Bulletin — Xo. 104 



descending- in more or less rapid turns towards the earth. 

 Tireless he seems, and unless it be for a more speedy ascent 

 it is seldom that the beat of his wings is to be observed. 

 There is much to admire in this master of aviation from 

 whom we may learn the conquest of the air. Every curve 

 and bend of sail so adjusted to gain the vantage of the 

 lightest breeze or float on calmest air ; an engine powerful to 

 conquer the hurricane, balanced to finest poise and rudder of 

 perfect control. 



Not so much can be said for the grace of the other mem- 

 ber of this family found in our southern states. While even 

 more robust in appearance, Catharista iiruhn fails in engine 

 power or cut of sail and is forced to greater effort in many 

 evolutions. At times they may be seen high in air sailing 

 on even keel with never a wing beat, but with stiffening 

 breeze, in circling flight the balance wheel seems out of true 

 and a few quick strokes are needed to make the turn and a 

 similar effort, alternating with a glide, is their mode in 

 straight away flight. 



In contour, while flying, the two species present marked 

 contrast. The Turkey Vulture is the larger appearing bird 

 with wings and tail longer. In this species the forward con- 

 tour of the wings presents a recurved aspect under usual 

 conditions of flght, tending backward towards the tip where 

 the longer primaries are usually widespread like open fingers. 

 The other species has wings of wider tapering fomi from 

 body to tip, which is gracefully and abruptly slender ; the 

 whole wing with a slightly forward curve under usual con- 

 ditions. The head and tail show from below at a distance in 

 about equal prominence. The Black Vulture carries a prom- 

 inent grayish or light-colored area at the extremity of the 

 wings, showing plainly from above or below when the bird 

 is in flight. With the Turkey Vulture a similar effect is 

 shown along the outer, under border of the secondaries when 

 the bird is flying. 



Turkey Vultures in general are more solitary in their hunt- 

 ing expeditions, although they may congregate in large num- 



