DIUUNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



415 



Fig. 342. — peregrin ic falcon. 



The Vultures (Vultur). These birds have a disagreeable aspect 

 and tainted odour ; they are cowardly, and prefer the most putrid 

 carrion to living prey ; and in order to preserve cleanliness while 

 engaged in their filthy banquet, by a wise provision, their head and 

 neck are denuded of feathers. The power of their talons does not 

 correspoufl with their size, and they make use of their beak I'ather 

 than of their claws. They are extremely voracious ; but after tlity 

 have been completely satiated, they can wait a long time for an oppor- 

 tunity of feeding again. Their sense of smell is acute, and enalDles 

 tliem to perceive at immense distances the remains of dead animals, 

 which they seek as food. In hot climates, these birds are very use- 

 ful : they serve to cleanse the streets from putrescent substances, and 

 may be seen parading the towns in little bands in search of carrion. 

 Vultures live in pairs ; they build their nests on inaccessible rocks, 

 and construct them of pieces of wood, joined together by a soit of 

 mortar. Their young, when born, are covered with down, and are 

 fed with half-digested food, which is disgorged by their parents be- 

 fore them. 



Tlie Griffons (Gypaetos), in their conformation and habits, very 

 closely resemble the Vultures ; but they have their head and neck 

 almost entirely covered with feathers. To this tribe belongs the 

 Lfimmer Geijer, tlie largest bird of prey found on the eastern conti- 

 nent, the higher mountain chains of which it inhabits. It attacks 



