Vultures 



blotched with chocolate brown markings, chiefly at the larger 

 end. Very rarely eggs are found without these markings. 

 Laying aside, for a time, his slothful ways, the male carefully 

 attends his sitting mate. As a colony of buzzards, when nest- 

 ing, indulges its offensive defensive action most relentlessly, 

 few, except scientists, care to make a close study of the birds' 

 nesting habits. 



Black Vulture 



(Catharista atrata) 



Called also: CARRION CROW 



Length About 24 inches. Wing spread over four feet. 



Male and Female Dull black ; under part of point of wings 



silvery gray ; head, neck, and base of bill dusky ; tip of bill 



and feet flesh colored or grayish; head and neck bare. 

 Range Common in South Atlantic and Gulf states, through 



Mexico to South America. Occasional in Western states. 



Rare north of Ohio. 

 Season Permanent resident. 



With a heavier, more thickset body than the turkey buz- 

 zard's and shorter wings, this very common "carrion crow" 

 may be identified in mid-air by its comparative lack of grace in 

 flight, its frequent wing flapping, and its smaller size, which is 

 more apparent than real, however, since its stocky build offsets 

 its narrower wing-spread. Five or six quick, vigorous flaps of 

 the wings send the bird sailing off horizontally ; another series 

 of wing flappings carries it up higher for another sail ; but the 

 flight is heavy and labored when compared with the majestic 

 spiral floating of the buzzard, and it lacks the fascination that 

 characterizes that other vulture's motion. Seen on the ground, 

 the dusky head of, the carrion crow is alone sufficient to differen- 

 tiate it from the red-headed buzzard. It is also black instead of 

 brown ; and its tail is short and rounded. 



A more southerly range and a decided preference for the sea- 

 coast, and for the habitations of men, again distinguish it; but in 

 nesting and other habits than those noted these two vultures are 

 almost identical. While both species are cowards, it is the 

 black vulture that invariably secures the tidbit in the refuse 

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