THE VULTURE. 123 



swallows, the earth would scarcely afford animals suf- 

 ficient for their food, and even man himself would not 

 be able to make good his defence against so strong 

 and fierce a bird. 



THE VULTURE. 



The Vultures differ from the other rapacious birds 

 in wanting feathers on the head, and upper part of the 

 neck. They also differ from them, in choosing to de- 

 vour such animals as they find already dead, rather 

 than to kill them for their own use. There are several 

 species of this bird, but they all agree in their habits 

 and manners, being equally voracious, and unclean. 

 The description of one will therefore give a good idea 

 of all. 



THE GOLDEN VULTURE. 



How large is the Golden Vulture ? 



The Golden Vulture is four feet and a half long, 

 and with the wings spread, about nine feet in extent. 

 The length of the upper mandible is about seven inch- 

 es, and the weight of the bird is about twelve pounds. 



What is the colour of this bird ? 



Its colour about the breast and lower part of the 

 neck is dull red ; it is black on ' the back, and the 

 wings and tail are yellowish brown. 



Where does this bird live ? 



This bird is found in Egypt, Arabia and the south- 

 ern parts of America. 



