VULTURES. 597 
tion had any share in this alliance ; for self-interest is the sole motive 
which impels them to act thus. It is to feed at his cxpense, to 
devour the fragments of his meals, kill his domestic fowls, or take 
possession of the pieces of meat which are hung in the sun to dry. 
This bird, however, is useful, for it most efficiently performs the duties 
of scavenger. 
The Caracara will craftily follow the sportsman, and steal away 
game that is not quickly bagged. It also accompanies travellers 
across the vast pampas to prey on the carcases of the worn-out 
beasts of burden. It will even attack horses and mules which 
are galled by the pack-saddle, fastening greedily on their wounds, 
and would actually devour them alive if the quadrupeds had not 
the sagacity to dislodge them by rolling on the ground. It will 
also take up its abode near flocks of sheep, and if it can evade the 
watchfulness of the shepherd, will destroy the newly-born lamb. 
Having confidence in its own strength, the Caracara frequently 
pursues other birds, especially vultures and gulls, which it forces to 
disgorge their food. It will even engage in sanguinary conflicts 
with its own species for the possession of prey. Contrary to the 
habit of most birds in a state of freedom, it remains constantly 
paired, without, however, having more than one or two broods a 
year. The Caracara lays two eggs; the nest is generally placed on 
the ground among brushwood. 
Besides the four species we have mentioned there is also the 
Caracara funebris (Fig. 280), thus named on account of its plumage, 
which is almost entirely black. This bird is still more of a plunderer 
than the preceding species, and is a native of the shores of Tierra del 
Fuego, the Falkland Isles, Van Diemen’s Land, New Zealand, &c. 
VULTURES. 
The Vultures (Vudturidz) form a well-marked order, which is 
readily distinguished from the Falcons by the following characteristics : 
A beak almost entirely straight, and curved only at its extremity ; 
the head and neck generally devoid of feathers ; small and staring 
eyes; head small; tarsi generally bare; toes short and slightly 
curved ; weak claws; and wings very long. ‘They are also dis- 
tinguished from holding themselves in a horizontal position, whether 
walking or at rest; whereas the Falcons stand erect, and present a 
noble bearing. Vultures probably adopt their attitude on account 
of the length of their wings, which even in a stooping position sweep 
the ground, and would drag much more but for this precaution. 
