116 



Field Marks. The naked head and neck make the beat field mark of the Vultures. 

 The red colour of these parts identifies this species. 



Nesting. On ground, usually in a hollow log. 



Distribution. Over most of North America north to the Canadian line which, in the 

 east, it only crosses in southern Ontario. A few may come in from Manitoba more or 

 less regularly. 



SUBSPECIES. The species occupy ing most of North and South America is sub- 

 specifically divided. The form occurring north of Mexico is the Northern Turkey Vulture 

 Cathartes aura septentrionalis. 



Economic Status. Being a carrion feeder no harm can be charged 

 against the species. 



326. Black Vulture. FK. LE VAUTOUR NOIR. Catharista urubu. L, 24. Very 

 like the Turkey Vulture, but slightly smaller. 



Distinctions. Distinguished from the preceding by the neck, head, and base of the 

 bill being black instead of red or pink. 



Field Marks. The general blackness of the bare head parts and a silvery sheen to 

 the under- wing surface are diagnostic in life. The tail is shorter and the bird looks blacker 

 than in the Turkey Buzzard. 



Distribution. A bird of more eastern distribution than the Turkey Vulture. Regular 

 from Virginia south, .straggling across our borders occasionally in the Maritime Provinces. 



Of too infrequent occurrence in Canada for more than passing men- 

 tion. It is to be expected occasionally only in the Maritime Provinces. 



SUBORDER FALCONES. DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



General Description. Bill strongly hooked from the base (Figure 33, p. 23), where 

 it is covered with a swollen cere or mass of yellow waxy-looking tissue in which the nostrils 

 appear. This tissue is distinctly softer than the bill proper and usually yellow in colour. 

 The feet are powerful and furnished with strong claws or talons for capturing and holding 

 living prey (Figure 31, p. 23). 



Distinctions. The members of this suborder differ from the Vultures in having the 

 bill shorter and more strongly hooked and the head feathered instead of bare (compare 

 Figures 30, 33, p. 23); and from the next suborder, the Owls, in lacking distinct facial 

 disks (Figure 34, p. 24) about the eyes which are so set in the Owls as to look directly 

 forwards instead of from the sides of the head as in most birds. 



These are the birds generally recognized as the Hawks and the Eagles. 

 They are represented in Canada by three families: Buteonidce, the common 

 Buzzard Hawks and the Eagles; Falconidce, the true Falcons and Cara- 

 caras; and Pandionidce, the Ospreys or Fish Hawks. 



FAMILY BUTEONID.E. BUZZARD HAWKS, KITES, HARRIERS, BUZZARDS, 



AND EAGLES. 



General Description. Hawks of various sizes, most easily described as being neither 

 Falcons nor Ospreys. 



Distinctions. Wings are short, round, and concave except in the Kites and Harriers, 

 and their flight is comparatively heavy. Bill (Figure 33b, p. 23) is without notches which 

 make, as in the Falcons, distinct tooth-like (Figure 33a, p. 23) projections to the cutting 

 edge. The feet (especially under-surface) have no distinct, sharp, hard corrugations for 

 holding slippery prey, as in the Ospreys or Fish Hawks. 



This family is composed of a number of well-marked genera, each 

 comparatively easy of recognition. These comprise the bulk of our 

 common birds of prey. Though truly raptorial in character they have 

 not the bold spirit, the address in attack, or the iron endurance of the 

 true Falcons and hence were called "Ignoble Hawks" by the old falconers. 



