630 



EAPTORES, OR BIRDS OF PREY. 



beasts of burden. It will even attack borses and mules wbich 

 are galled by the pack-saddle, fastening greedily on tbeir wounds, 

 and would actually devour tbem alive if the quadrupeds bad 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 





Fig. iiUi.. — Tlie i3raiilia.i Carac iras (^Po-i/uui'us brasiUemis). 



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 con- 

 flicts with its own species for the possession of prey. Contrary 

 to the habit of most birds in a state of freedom, it remains con- 

 stantly 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 fiinebris, thus named on account of its plumage, 



