268 



NATURAL HISTORY OF BIRDS. 



on the ground or in a hollow log or stump, making no nest, but laying a pair of 

 spotted eggs on the rotting wood or decayed leaves. 



Among the largest birds of the Continent must be reckoned the Calif ornian vul- 

 ture, Cathartes californianus, which attains sometimes the size of average specimens 

 of the condor. It is found from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific, and in flight, 

 food, and breeding habits, so far as known, it resembles quite closely the turkey- 

 buzzard. 



FIG. 127. Sarcorhampkus papa, king-vulture. 



Beyond question the bird of this group whose appearance is most striking is the 

 king-vulture, Sarcorhamphus papa, a native of tropical America, most abundant in 

 Brazil, but found as far south as Paraguay, and as far north as Mexico, and probably 

 Arizona. Most of the plumage is pure or creamy white, rather more buffy tinted on 

 breast and belly, while the large wing and tail feathers are deep black. The skin of head 

 and neck is naked, or only hairy, and most brilliantly colored. Waterton gives the 

 following description of these parts. '-' The throat and back of the neck are of a fine 



