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Genus CATHAKTES fllliger.J 



CATHARTES CALIFORNIANUS (Shaw.) 



CALIFORNIAN VULTURE. 



This magnificent Vulture is a species of somewhat resti'icted 

 geographical range, being limited to theEoeky mountains and to 

 the country intermediate between that range and the coast of 

 "Western North America; it extends as far southwards as the 

 southern part of Mexico, and as far northward as Oregon; 

 where, however, it is said only to appear as a summer visitor. 

 The Californian Vultures feed on carcases of animals which have 

 been accidentally exposed, or have died, in unfrequented situa- 

 tions. They also attack wounded and young animals, and have 

 been observed to associate, to the number of six or seven, to 

 attack a calf, and thus to succeed in destroying it, notwithstand- 

 ing the efforts of the parent cow for its protection. This species 

 often frequents the sea coast in quest of dead seals or whales 

 which may have floated to the shore, or may have been left 

 there by their captors after having been deprived of their skin 

 or blubber. It is also very fond of dead fish, and is said not 

 unfrequently to steal the salmon and trout caught by the 

 Indians in the mountain rivers, and exposed upon the banks 

 to dry. When frequenting the coast it also feeds on mussels, 

 the partially digested shells of which have been taken from its 

 stomach. The Californian Vultvire does not appear to be a 

 gregarious species, except when collected in search of food, on 

 which occasions considerable numbers are frequently attracted 

 together by a large and tempting carcase. This Vulture is re- 

 markable for the great height to which it occasionally soars, 

 and which is computed sometimes to reach an altitude of six- 

 teen thousand feet. I am indebted for many of these particu- 

 lars, and also for the fine specimens in the Norwich Museum, 

 to my friend Alexander S. Taylor, Esq., of Santa Barbara, who is 



