VULTURES. 73 
Chief of the New World Vultures is the gigantic Condor of the 
Andes (Sarcorhamphus gryphus) (824), exhibited in one of the central 
Cases in the Bay. It is one of the largest living birds, the expanse of 
the wings in some examples attaiming to nine feet or more, as may be 
seen by an inspection of the fine adult male mounted with its wings 
partially expanded. Other remarkable birds of this group (Case 45) are 
the Californian Vulture (Pseudogryphus californianus) (825), now only 
found in Southern and Lower California, but formerly extending much 
farther north to British Columbia; the King-Vulture (Gypagus papa) 
(826), with its brilliantly coloured bare face; and the Black Turkey- 
Vulture (Catharistes urulu) (821) and its allies, common in the towns 
and villages: from the Southern United States southwards. These latter 
when not molested become remarkably tame and fearless, walking about 
the streets in search of carrion. 
Order XXI. SERPENTARIITFORMES. 
Family SerPentarupm#., SxEcreTARY-Birps. (Plate XII. fig. 2.) 
This remarkable group of the Birds of Prey includes only two African 
species belonging to the genus Serpentarius; S. serpentarius (828) 
being confined to the southern and eastern parts of that Continent, 
while S. gambiensis ranges from Senegambia to Southern Abyssinia. 
‘The name ‘‘ Secretary ”’ is derived from the tuft of long feathers hanging 
over the back of the head, which are supposed to resemble the quill- 
pens an ideal secretary would carry behind his ear. The legs are 
abnormally long, the toes partially webbed, and the middle pair of 
feathers of the wedge-shaped tail are greatly elongate. ‘These birds 
live almost exclusively on Reptiles and, as they destroy large numbers 
of poisonous snakes, are strictly protected by law. The Secretary 
usually kills its prey by delivering rapid forward kicks with its powerful 
feet, beating to pulp rats and such-like; but if a venomous snake is 
attacked the body is carefully shielded with its outspread wings. It is 
said to kill reptiles occasionally by carrying them aloft and dropping 
them. The huge nest of sticks etc. is placed in a bush or tree, and the 
two or three eggs are white with rusty markings. 
Order XXII. ACCIPITRIFORMES. 
Vuttures, Hawks, anp Ospreys. 
This Order includes all the remaining Birds of Prey, characterised by 
their short, strong, sharp-edged beak, with the upper mandible curved 
downwards and terminating in a pointed hook, and by having all four 
| Table- 
case. | 
[Case 45. ] 
[ Cases 
45-53.] 
