268 



NATUUAL llIsronY OF BIRDS. 



on tbe ground or in a lioUow log or 8tiini]i, inakini: no nest, but laying a pair of 

 spotted I'ggs on tlie rotting wood or dccayi'd k-avis. 



Among the largest liirds of the Continent nuist be reckoned the Californian vul- 

 ture, Cathartes cdlifoniktniiti, which attains sometimes the size of average specimens 

 of the condor. It is found from the Hocky Mountains to the Pacific, and in flight, 

 food, and breeding habits, so far as known, it resembles quite closely the turkey- 

 buzzard. 



--::' 



Fio. lli". — S'lrci^Tbttmjihns papa^ king-vulluro. 



Beyond question the bird of this group whose appearance is most striking is the 

 king-vulture, .Sarcor/iamp/ni.i jxipii, a native of trojiical America, most ab\ni<1anf in 

 Brazil, but found as far soutii as Paragu.-iy, and as far north as Mexico, and ]irol)ably 

 Arizona. Most of the )iluni.age is pure or creamy white, rather more buffy tinted on 

 breast and belly, while the large wing and tail feathers arc deep black. The skin of head 

 and neck is naked, or only hairv, and most brilliantly colored. Waterton gives the 

 following descrii)tion of these parts. "The throat and back of the neck are of a fine 



