inhabiting the South of Africa. 15 
with a fine, short, white down, which never leaves the breast 
and belly. 
This species builds its nest sometimes in trees, and at other 
times in rocks, lays one or two eggs, and that in the months 
of October or November. It occurs throughout the whole of 
South Africa,but much less abundantlythan the last described, 
and though considerably superior in size to it, is, neverthe- 
less, inferior in point of courage and strength. It is often 
seen where carrion exists, yet rarely ventures to approach 
thereto, till those of the other species have deserted it, which 
happens only when they are satiated, or the flesh becomes 
putrid and very scanty. 
8. VuLTUR OCCIPITALIS. Burchel.* 
Corpus supra fusco-nigrum subtus album. Caput lanugine 
alba tectum occipitali reversa. Colli pars superior nuda poste- 
rior plumis patentibus nigris et anterior depressis brevissimis 
albis tecte.  Remiges rectrices que nigre; rachidibus supra 
nigris subtus alhis. Tibie (femora) plumis albis dense vestite 
rostrum et pedes incarnata. Orbita denudata colli pars et cera 
alba, unques nigri. Lingua brevis integra apiee rotundata 
basi sagittata laciniata. 
Bill and feet flesh coloured; bare part round the eyes 
white ; irides of the color of burnt umber; top of the head 
covered with a white feathery wool, which, at the back part, 
is longer and stands in a reversed position. Color above 
blackish brown, but the thighs, and under parts of the body 
and neck are white; quill feathers, and those of the tail black. 
The part of the neck which is bare, together with the base of 
the beak, white ; the expanse of the wing is seven feet. 
A Vulture of a different species to either of the two first 
described, is not unfrequently met with in the northern and 
eastern parts of the colony, and though I have often seen ex- 
amples thereof, yet I have never been able to procure one for 
examination. From the description of the species procured 
by Burchelt in the Bechuana country, I am inclined to be- 
lieve it is identical with the one under consideration, and, 
fromthe lack of a more detailed description, I have introduced 
his mostly in his own words. Were I satisfied that the species 
to which Burchel’s trivial name is applied by Rupell,t was 
the same, I should have no difficulty in supplying from the 
description of the latter, whatever might be wanting in that 
of the former. But, as the reverse is the case, I shall, until 
such time as I have an opportunity of comparing the characters 
of the South African species, consider the two as distinct. 
* Burchel’s Travels in South Africa, vol. 2, page 329. 
20 Atlas zu der Reise im Nordlichen Afrika von Eduard Rupell, erste A bthei- 
lung Zoologis, page 33, tal. 22. 
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