2O22 



THE DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY 



of some forty-five inches; the general color of its plumage is brown, and the inner 

 surface of the thigh is feathered. In the smaller Pondicherry vulture (O. calvus}, 

 on the other hand, the inner surface of the thigh is naked, and the plumage black; 

 hence it is often spoken of as the black vulture, although that name more properly 

 belongs to the representative of the genus Vultur. Ranging from India through 

 Burma to Siam, and by no means abundant in individuals, the Pondicherry vulture, 



PONDICHERRY VUI/TURES GORGING. 

 (One-seventh natural size.) 



according to Jerdon, is usually seen alone or in pairs, although occasionally four or 

 five may be observed hunting in company over some rocky hill. Some of the other 

 Indian vultures usually give place when this species arrives on the scene, on which 

 account it is commonly known as the raj-sogno, or king vulture, among the natives 

 of part of India. This vulture is a late breeder, generally laying in March, although 

 some individuals begin as early as the end of January, and others delay till April. 



