164 



THE LAMMERGEYER. 



In the Alps and Pyrenees the Lammergeyer, or Bearded 

 Vulture, occupies the place which in the Andes is occupied 



by the condor. It is a 

 powerful bird, with a 

 fierce and bold disposi- 

 tion ; much more cou- 

 rageous than the eagle, 

 it fears not to attack the 

 chamois, or, it is said, 

 even man himself. But 

 it principally preys on 

 the smaller quadrupeds, 

 such as lambs (its name 

 means " lamb-vulture"), 

 sheep, hares, kids, and 

 rabbits. 



Hawks are numerous 

 in Europe, and in our 

 own islands still survive 

 both in England and 

 Scotland. The gerfal- 

 con, however, is very 

 ! rare ; though it played 

 so important a part in 

 the amusements of the 



LAMMEKGEYER AND ITS PREY. 



noble and wealthy in the middle ages. 



The Peregrine Falcon is still met with ; a handsome 

 bird, about eighteen inches long. It was formerly flown 

 at quarries of large size and considerable strength, such as 



