504 



EGYPTIAN VULTURE. 



Palestine we trace it to Persia and Turkestan, but the smaller Indian 

 form has been distinguished as A\ giiiginianus. 



The nest, built of branches and rubbish, sometimes on a former 

 abode of the Bearded A^ulture, Raven or other large bird, is usually 

 placed on a ledge of rock ; but in Turkey it is often in cypress and 

 other trees. The eggs, 2 in number, are seldom laid in Europe 

 before April loth ; they are creamy-white, blotched and often richly 

 suffused with chocolate-red or claret colour: measurements 2 "5 by 

 2 in. This Vulture feeds on the lowest animal and vegetable refuse 

 and dung of all kinds ; it may also be seen following the plough, 

 with long, slow strides, for what it can pick up. But though its 

 habits are repulsive, it is a magnificent bird on the wing, circling 

 round without a flap of its outspread pinions, or at times sweeping 

 low over the ground, like a Harrier. 



The adult is white, with black primaries ; the fore part of the 

 head and neck yellow and devoid of feathers ; irides crimson ; legs 

 and feet flesh-colour. Length 25-27 in. The young bird, repre- 

 sented in the vignette, is dark brown, with greyish head and neck ; 

 irides brown. The full plumage is not obtained until the fourth 

 year. 



