NESTS AND EGGS- 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



GRIFFON VULTURE. 



PLATE I. 



Gyps fulvus, GRAY. 



" vulgaris, SAVIGNY. 



Vultur fulvus, GOULD. 



WHATEVER is to be known of the nidification of the Griffon Vulture, 

 can only, by us, be learned from extraneous sources one single 

 specimen alone having been ever as yet met with in this country, 

 and, as it has sagely been remarked that it takes two persons to 

 make a quarrel, so it may with equal truth be affirmed that it takes 

 two birds to make a nest. But to return from this digression. The 

 Griffon Yulture, so we learn, chooses for the place of its eyrie the 

 loftiest and most inaccessible precipices, or the highest trees. Conscious, 

 as it were, of its being obnoxious to many acquired enemies, it takes 

 the precaution of placing its family in a place of security, from whence 

 it can descend to its predatory attacks 



'When from the mountain tops with hideous cry 

 And clattering wings the hungry Harpies fly.' 



The nest can only be composed of coarse materials, and is doubtless 

 as coarsely compacted. 



VOL. I. B 



