

TURKEY BUZZARD. Catharigta Aura. 



susceptible to atmospheric influence. It is not improbable that this air-bath may aid 

 the bird in digesting the food which it has so ravenously consumed, as well as to cleanse 

 its feathers from the fetid animal substance which cannot but cling to them after their 

 strong-scented repasts. While engaged in eating they are not at all particular about 

 soiling their feathers, for they will often tear a hole in the skin of a dead animal, 

 and deliberately walk into its interior, for the purpose of getting at some favourite morsel. 

 By this mode of proceeding they soon clear away the softer substance, leaving only the 

 bare ribs standing out, in the midst of which the Vulture continues to move about like 

 a bird in a cage. 



Between the Turkey Buzzard and the zopilote there is a certain external resemblance ; 

 but these two birds are quite distinct in their movements as well as in their habits. The 

 Turkey Buzzard does not even walk or fly in the same manner as the zopilote. 

 The latter bird, when walking, is very awkward, and hops along in an awkward and 

 lazy manner, while the former moves smoothly forward, even when oppressed with a surfeit 

 of food. In the flight the difference is even more conspicuous : the Turkey Buzzard 

 very seldom flaps its wings, but sails smoothly through the air, its wings being extended 



