644 EAPTOEES, OE BIEDS OF PEEY. 



The Vulture genus comprises several species, all of which belong 

 to the Old World. 



The Yellow Vulture (Fig. 304), the size of which is about 

 equal to that of the Goose, is a native more especially of the 

 South and South-east of Europe. It is common in the Pyrenees, 

 Alps, Sardinia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Spain ; it is rarely 

 seen in France. It makes its nest in the crevice of some inac- 

 cessible rock. When pressed by hunger it shows no fear in 

 attacking living animals ; it is thus an object of dread among the 

 shepherds along the sea- coast of the Mediterranean. It is easily 

 tamed when caught youDg. Of this fact M. Nordmann gives 

 us an instance : 



" A lady residing at Taganrog," says he, "was in possession of 

 a Yellow Vulture which was in the habit every morning of leaving 

 its home and resorting to the fresh-meat market, where the bird 

 was well known and usually fed. If it so happened that it was 

 refused its daily pittance, it was always well able to get hold of it 

 by some cunning or other ; and then, after the larceny was com- 

 mitted, the bird would take itself off to the roof of some neigh- 

 bouring house, so as to consume its plunder in peace, and safe from 

 any attack. This bird would often cross the Sea of Azoff, and 

 visit the city of the same name, situated opposite Taganrog ; and, 

 after having spent the day there, would come back at night to the 

 house of its mistress." 



There is a variety of the above bird rather larger than the one 

 just noticed. It is common in the Alps, Pyrenees, the Tyrol, the 

 Greek Archipelago, and also in the South of Spain, in Egypt, 

 and a great part of Africa. In autumn it leaves the temperate 

 regions to winter in some warmer clime. M. Degland and M. 

 Bouteille mention various instances of intelligence and courage 

 shown by it, for it has been known to repel dogs. Another bird 

 of the same kind, having flown away from its master's house, 

 grievously wounded two men who endeavoured to catch it. The 

 shepherds fear it even more than the preceding. 



The Sociable Vulture (Fig. 305) is a native of the lofty moun- 

 tain regions of Africa. It has a fleshy crest, which, taking its 

 rise close to each ear, extends down the neck ; from this it 

 derives its Latin specific name. Levaillant, who often observed 



