2 RAPTORES. VULTURID^E. 



this Order from all the others ; though, at the same time we 

 must remark, that modifications of form and character are 

 met with in the less typical members sufficient to support the 

 necessary connection with the other orders of the Class. In 

 this Division four Families only have yet been recognised, 

 viz. the Vulturida, Falconida, Strigida, and Gypogeranida. 

 Of these the three first mentioned embrace the extensive Lin- 

 nean genera Vulture, Falco, and Strix ; the fourth is repre- 

 sented by the African Serpent-Eater {Secretary Vulture of 

 LATHAM). The fifth, necessary to complete the series of 

 affinities within the circle of this Order, is still wanting. 



FAMILY IT.* VULTURID^ 



The Vulturidse, which form one of the typical families of 

 the order, are distinguished by having the head more or less 

 divested of feathers, the bill strait at the base, and covered 

 with a cere, either thinly covered with hair or naked, simple 

 or carunculated ; their limbs are muscular and generally 

 short, the tarsi and feet naked, the latter armed with rather 

 strong, but not very hooked talons. They principally sub- 

 sist upon carrion and decomposing animal matter ; but, as 

 might be expected, the forms which approach nearest to the 

 Falconidte occasionally prey upon living subjects. They are 

 mostly inhabitants of the warmer regions of the globe, where 

 they act an important and salutary part in the economy of 

 nature, by clearing the surface of noxious and putrid ani- 

 mal remains. Their wings are ample, and their flight, which 

 is powerful, and can be long sustained, is generally described 

 in wide circles. In this family, five distinct forms have been 

 admitted ; two of which, genus Vultur and genus Sarcoram- 



* According to the system of Mr VIGORS (the one here adopted), the aber- 

 rant family of Gypogeranidae stands first, as the typical families invariably 

 occupy the middle station. But, in this work, we commence of course 

 with the second family, as the first affords no British species. 



