94 RAPTORES: Birds of Prey 



RAPTORES (Rapacious birds): Mostly large and strong- 

 winged ; flesh-eaters exclusively, killing their own prey or feeding 

 on carrion. A wide variety of forms is known, of which more 

 than one hundred species and subspecies, of six families, occur 

 in the United States. 



CALIFORNIA VULTURE 



(324. Gymnogyps californianus) 45-55 in. 



Wholly shining black except a large white spot in wing, very 

 conspicuous in flight; head and upper neck bare, orange in color. 

 Immatures, dull black; head and neck covered with short black 

 down. 



Popularly known as the California Condor. The largest bird 

 of flight in North America. Now so reduced in numbers that 

 early extinction is almost certain. 



Feeds entirely upon carrion. 



TURKEY VULTURE 



(325. Cathartes aura septentrionalis) 28-32 in. 



Plumage wholly black, with purplish reflections on back and 

 wings. Head and upper neck bare, dull red; bill white. 



Immatures show much brown on feather edges of back and 

 wing-coverts. 



In flight the tips of wing-feathers are widely separated 

 generally a distinguishing feature. Head very small. 



Our common " Turkey Buzzard. " A carrion feeder, of amaz- 

 ing powers of sight. 



