SOLITARY AND GREGARIOUS. 



127 



birds seem to have originated from the casual ob- 

 servation of a strange species among a flock of 

 gregarious birds. He once observed a few cross- 

 bills (Loxia curvirostra) in the king's garden at Paris, 

 intermingling with other gregarious birds. These, 

 being uncommon birds, were very likely to attract 

 popular attention, and give rise to the fancy of their 

 being royal birds. He once also noticed a field- 

 fare (Turdus pilaris)) which, having strayed from 

 its companions and associated with starlings, was 

 called king of the starlings by the peasants of Se- 

 zaune, in La Brie. 



King of the Vultures. 



A similar custom is that of the king of the vul- 

 tures (Sarcoramphus papa, DUMERIL), which is sel- 



