BIRDS OF KANSAS 113 



tion," reared in confinement and killed December 10th, 

 measures: 26.25, 66.50, 20.00, 10.50, 2.25, .90. 



This Vulture is one of the greatest scavengers of nature. 

 A very abundant bird, especially in the warmer climates, 

 where its presence is of incalculable value as a gormandizer 

 of the garbage, filth and carrion that taint the air and breed 

 disease. Were it not for their valuable services, it would 

 be hard to tolerate their disgusting, filthy habits and un- 

 gainly ways upon the ground and perch. In the air, how- 

 ever, as it sails and circles high above us, with scarcely an 

 apparent effort, we are forced to admit that it is a magnifi- 

 cent sight, and to inwardly say, " Long live the purifiers 

 of the air." I have raised the young (downy little fellows) 

 from the nest, feeding them wholly upon fresh meat, and 

 find that the rank odor of the body is not produced by the 

 food it eats, but from natural causes, like the smell or 

 musk of many animals. 



These birds are mute, their only noise a hiss, like the 

 sound from hot iron being dropped into water. Cowardly 

 birds, that make no defense at their capture, but will occa- 

 sionally, when approached, raise their feathers, stamp their 

 feet like sheep, and hiss. 



Their nests are placed on rocky ledges and in hollow 

 trees and stumps. Eggs two, laid on the bare rocks or 

 debris; no lining; 2.70x1.90; grayish white, variously 

 and unevenly blotched and splashed with light to dark 

 reddish brown and purplish drab; in form, rounded oval. 



