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BOOK OF BIEDS. 



THE CONDOR. (Sarcoramphw gtyphu.) 



The first order of birds, Eaptores, includes Ynltares^ 

 Falcons, and Owls. They are distinguished by a strong 

 curved bill, fitted for tearing flesh, having on each side 

 towards the end a projection, like a tooth ; the base is fre- 

 quently covered with a naked membrane, called a cere; 

 the legs are short, and the claws sharp-pointed and con- 

 siderably curved. It is a remarkable fact that the females 

 of birds of prey, unlike those of the other orders, are rather 

 larger and more powerful than the males. 



The Vultures generally have no feathers on the head and 

 upper part of the neck, a peculiarity which enables them 

 to feed more easily on carrion, which is their fiiTonrite 

 food. Of these the most remarkable is the OONDOB. Mr. 

 .iuttall says that the Condor derives its name from an 

 (ndian word which alludes to its supposed sagaoioiu soent 



