RAPTORES. 291 



The beak of the Condor is four inches long, and straight at the 

 base, but the upper mandible becomes arched to a point, and 

 terminates in a strong, well covered hook, so strong as to be 

 able to pierce the body of a bullock. Around the lower part of 

 the neck in the male and female birds, there is a broad white 

 ruffof downy feathers, which forms the line of separation between 

 the naked skin above, and the true feathers covering the body 

 below it ; on the head is a species of comb. (See figure of Con- 

 dor on the Chart.) 



The Condor is found in the Andes from one end of South 

 America to the other; but is most numerous in Peru and Chili, 

 and is frequently met with at an elevation of from 10,000 to 

 15.000 feet above the level of the sea. Here, amidst perpetual 

 snow, Condors may be seen in groups of three or four, but never in 

 larger companies, like the true Vultures. The Condor descends 

 to the plains only when driven by the demands of appetite ; but 

 soon leaves them again for a lighter atmosphere. " The pecul- 

 iarities of structure," says Dr. Roget, "have probably a relation 

 to the capability we see them possess, of bearing with impunity, 

 very quick and violent changes of atmospheric pressure. The 

 Condor of the Andes is often seen to descend rapidly, from a 

 height of above twenty thousand feet, to the edge of the sea, 

 where the air is more than twice the density of that which the 

 bird has been breathing, thus encountering, in its descent, varia- 

 tions of barometrical pressure extending from twelve to twenty- 

 nine inches." 



The general color of the Condor is brownish ; the feathers on 

 the back, however, are sometimes perfectly black. This bird 

 does not build any nest, but, after the manner of many sea-birds, 

 lays two white eggs, somewhat larger than those of a Turkey, 

 on the bare lofty rock. It is very strong, and highly tenacious 

 of life. Two Condors will attack and kill the Llama, or even 

 the Puma; by their repeated buffeting and pecking, wearying it 

 so completely that it finally yields to their power. So destruc- 

 tive is the Condor, that various methods are employed by the 

 natives in S. A. to capture it. Sometimes a person clothed in 

 the skin of a newly killed animal, goes out, and entices the 

 Condor to attack him ; while companions, who have secreted 

 themselves, rush out from their hiding places, and seize it. 



THE KING VULTURE, S. papa, is much smaller than the Con- 

 dor, but of a brighter plumage, and among the handsomest of the 

 Vultures. When pressed with hunger, he will, in the absence 

 of his favorite carrion, feed upon snakes and lizards. He is said 

 to be called the KING Vulture, because he keeps some smaller 



