VULTURES. 031 



which is almost entirel}^ of a black hue. This bird is still more 

 of a plunderer than the preceding species, and is a native of the 

 shores of Tierra del Fuego, the Falkland Isles, Van Diemen's 

 Land, New Zealand, &c. 



Vultures. 



The Vultures {Vultiiridce) form a well-marked genus, which 

 is readily distinguished from the Falcons by the following cha- 

 racteristics : — A beak almost entirely straight, and curved only 

 at its extremity ; the head and neck generally devoid of feathers ; 

 small and staring eyes ; head small ; tarsi generally bare ; toes 

 short and slightly curved ; weak claws ; and wings very long. 

 They are also distinguished from holding themselves in a hori- 

 zontal position, whether walking or at rest ; whereas the Falcons 

 stand erect, and present a noble bearing. Vultures probably 

 adopt their attitude on account of the length of their wings, 

 which even in a stooping position sweep the ground, and would 

 drag much more but for this precaution. Lastly, they are 

 specially characterised by their partiality for putrefied flesh, which 

 forms their almost exclusive nutriment, as it is only occasionally 

 they attack living prey. 



When a Vulture has glutted itself, its crop, swelled by the food 

 which it has devoured, forms a voluminous projection in front of 

 the neck ; a fetid humour oozes from its nostrils, and it remains 

 sunk in a state of stupid torpor until the food is digested. 



They fly heavily, but mount aloft to great altitudes. Their 

 powers of vision are extraordinary. Should a carcass be left on 

 the plain, they immediately see it and drop down, turning over 

 and over in their hurry to partake of the anticipated banquet. 

 It has been supposed by some that their olfactory organs are so 

 acute as to smell, at great distances, the emanations which escape 

 from bodies in a state of decomposition, and thus to account for 

 their prompt arrival. Latterly, however, certain observers have 

 opposed this theory : according to their ideas the Vulture tribe 

 owe this wonderful facility to their sight, not to scent. This 

 reason, however, has not as yet been rendered altogether clear. 

 We therefore think it prudent to abstain from giving an absolute 

 judgment on the point, and will content ourselves by admitting 



