236 



Descriptive Zoology. 



of them are large, and soar gracefully hour after hour high 

 in the sky ; but when they descend to earth they show their 

 disgusting nature. Yet they are useful as scavengers, and 

 are wisely protected by law, especially in the South. Our 

 only example in the Northern states is the turkey buzzard, 

 which has a spread of six feet. In the South is found also 

 the carrion crow. This must not be confused with our 

 common crow, which, though carnivorous, is classed with 



FIG. 141. CAROLINA PARRAKEET. 



From Kingsley's Zoology. 



the Passeres, or perching birds. The condor of the Andes 

 is a vulture ; though feeding chiefly on carrion, it sometimes 

 kills lambs and other small animals. Exaggerated accounts 

 of its size and ferocity are common ; measurements do not 

 show that it exceeds a spread of eleven or twelve feet. 



The Parrots. Parrots have a soft, fleshy, mobile tongue, 

 and can learn to talk. They have the toes in pairs, and 

 can climb well. The bill is large and so strong they can 



