46 



THE BUZZARD. 



Caracara, to which bird it bears a considerable resemblance in general appearance and in its 

 general color. 



The Brazilian Kite is blackish-brown, deepening to dull black from the top of the head, 

 and varied across the neck and shoulders with wavy bands of dark brown on a grayish ground. 

 The tip of the tail is black, and the remainder is grayish-white, traversed by many narrow 

 wavy bands of dusky brown. The bill is tinged with blue at the base, the claws are black, 

 and the legs yellow. This bird is essentially a carrion eater, following the line of road in 

 order to feed on the poor worn-out animals that sink exhausted on the journey, and are left to 

 perish by their hard-hearted drivers. It will watch the course pursued by hunters, and in 

 hopes of obtaining the rejected portions of the slain animals, will follow them in their expedi- 

 tions with as much perseverance and confidence as is exhibited by the American wolf under the 

 same circumstances. 



The Caracara Eagle (Polyborus tharus) is a small falcon-like bird, common to the tropical 



i Buteo vulgarts. 



and subtropical portions of America, and frequently found in Florida. Dr. Coues saw it 

 in Arizona. Mr. Boardman found it associating with the vultures in Northern Florida. It is 

 the only one of its genus, and is strictly an American bird. 



This bird is allied to the vultures, and is considerably terrestrial in habit, walking or 

 running with some degree of grace. It is in some places called King Buzzard. 



THE common BUZZARD is one of our handsomest Falconidse. The plumage of this bird is 

 looser and more downy than is seen in the generality of the hawk-tribe, and bears a certain 

 resemblance to that of the owl. This peculiarity is explained by the habits of the bird, 

 which will presently be narrated. The average length of a Buzzard is from twenty to twenty- 

 two inches, and the tinting of its plumage is extremely variable, even in adult birds. 

 The usual coloring is as follows : The back and whole of the upper surface is a rich brown, 

 becoming lighter on the head and neck, and diversified with longitudinal streaks of the darker 

 hue. The tail is also dark-brown, but is varied with stripes of a lighter color, and the primary 



