THE RED SEA HILLS 367 



the head-skin. Soon an assemblage of carnivorous birds 

 (quite unusual in this region) attracted our interest. To 

 this fact, indeed, is due the insertion in our narrative 

 of what would otherwise have been but an everyday 

 incident. First to appear were a pair of eagles, con- 

 spicuous by their double-banded wings and striking form 

 of tail. These, however, we at once recognised as tawny 

 eagles (Aquila rapax\ in one of the many-varying 



AMONG THE CRAGS BY SARROWIT. 



phases peculiar to that species. They soared around 

 and departed without alighting. Next came two or 

 three of the huge and repulsive Nubian vultures (jOtogyps 

 nubicus], which we also recognised (having shot them on 

 Blue Nile) by their downy white undersides; these vul- 

 tures are practically featherless beneath, save that long 

 dark shafts protrude naked through the fluff. 



With them, however, arrived two other giant brutes, 

 similar as regards the last-named feature, but dark 

 practically black in plumage, contrasting with the washed- 



