5-1 MALDOXADO. [CHAP. in. 



bilicnl cord ; and that it pursues the Gallinazo, till that bird is com- 

 pelled to vomit up the carrion it may have recently gorged. Lastly, 

 Azara states that several Carranchas, five or six together, will unite 

 in chase of large birds, even such as herons. All these facts show 

 that it is a bird of very versatile habits and considerable ingenuity. 

 The Polyborus Chimango is considerably smaller than the last 

 species. It is truly omnivorous, and will eat even bread ; and I was 

 assured that it materially injures the potato-crops in Chiloe, by 

 stocking up the roots when first planted. Of all the carrion-feeders 

 it is generally the last which leaves the skeleton of a dead animal 

 and may often be seen within the ribs of a cow or horse, like a bird 

 in a cage. Another species is the Polyborus Nova? Zelandirc, 

 which is exceedingly common in the Falkland Islands. These birds 

 in many respects resemble in their habits the Carranchas. They 

 live on the flesh of dead animals and on marine productions ; and 

 on the Eamirez rocks their whole sustenance must depend on the 

 sea. They are extraordinarily tame and fearless, and haunt the 

 neighbourhood of houses for offal. If a hunting party kills an 

 animal, a number soon collect and patiently await, standing on the 

 ground on all sides. After eating, their uncovered craws are largely 

 protruded, giving them a disgusting appearance. They readily 

 attack wounded birds : a cormorant in this state having taken to 

 the shore, was immediately seized on by several, and its death 

 hastened by their blows. The Beagle was at the Falklands only 

 during the summer, but the officers of the Adventure, who were 

 there in the winter, mention many extraordinary instances of the 

 boldness and rapacity of these birds. They actually pounced on a 

 dog that was lying fast asleep close by one of the party ; and the 

 sportsmen Imd difficulty in preventing the wounded geese from 

 being seized before their eyes. It is said that several together (in 

 this respect resembling the Carranchas) wait at the mouth of a 

 rabbit-hole, and together seize on the animal when it comes out. 

 They were constantly flying on board the vessel when in the har- 

 bour ; and it was necessary to keep a good look out to prevent the 

 leather being torn from the rigging, and the meat or game from the 

 stern. These birds are very mischievous and inquisitive; they will 

 pick up almost anything from the ground ; a large black glazed hat 

 was carried nearly a mile, as was a pair of the heavy balls used in 

 catching cattle. Mr. Usborne experienced during the survey a 

 more severe loss, in their stealing a small Eater's compass in a red 



