GRIFFINS; LAMMERGEYER. 417 



and from nine to ten in the expanse of its wings. It derives its 



. FIO. 218. T.AMMERGKVER. OR BEARDED GfilFFIN. 



name from a tuft of bristles, that projects downwards on eacli 

 side of the lower mandible. As in the Eagles, the head, neck, 

 and tarsi are clothed with feathers ; but in the characters of the 

 eye, bill, and talons, it agrees with the Vultures. It feeds upon 

 the bodies of animals that have met their death by disease, or by 

 falling down precipices; and is not restricted to those which it 

 has itself slaughtered. Indeed it seldom, unless pressed by 

 hunger, attacks animals which can offer it much resistance ; its 

 general habit being to prey upon Hares, Lambs, Kids, and the 

 weak and sickly of the flocks. It is said, however, to destroy 

 more powerful animals, by grappling with them at the edge of 

 some precipice or steep declivity, and forcing them down the 

 abyss ; and, when rendered desperate by hunger, this ravenous 

 Bird will even attack Man. Instead of carrying off its prey to 

 the nest, like the Eagle, the Lammergeyer gorges itself with the 

 carcass upon the spot ; removing only such parts as it destines 

 for the nourishment of its young. Its flight is sweeping and 

 majestic ; and it rises almost to the highest summits of the Alps, 

 when on the outlook for its prey. If it has fixed upon a living 

 animal, it darts down upon it in the manner of the Eagle ; but 

 if it be attracted by a carcass, it calmly descends to some 

 neighbouring crag, and then sets out for its repast, flying with 

 heavy wings at a short distance from the ground. A number are 

 usually attracted by the same object ; and feed, like the Vultures, 



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