63 



VULTURES. 



The Vultures, with the exception of the Lammergeier, are 

 chiefly characterized by having the head and neck bare of 

 feathers, or at the most, with only a covering of short down. 

 Unlike the eagles, the males are equal in size to, if not larger than, 

 the females. Their powers of sight are remarkably keen, and their 

 sense of smell is also well developed. 



Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), Page 31, otherwise known 

 as the Lammergeier. This bird is remarkable in being the only 

 vulture which has the head covered with true feathers ; a fact which 

 has caused some difference in opinion as to whether it should be classi- 

 fied with the true vultures or with the eagles. It is found in the moun- 

 tainous parts of Southern Europe, extending to North-East Africa 

 and parts of Asia. As a rule, there is only one egg to a nest, the 

 same being of very small proportions in relation to the size of the 

 bird. 



Kolbe's Vulture (Gyps kolbi), Page 32. This vulture is a native 

 of South Africa, and belongs to the group of griffon vultures. It is an 

 early breeder, and the nest is of large size, being made entirely of 

 sticks. It is by no means unusual to find several nests in close 

 proximity to one another. 



Pondicherry Vulture (Otogyfa cahms), Page 33 This bird is 

 also known as the Indian King Vulture, or Eared Vulture, 

 owing to the curious fleshy appendages on both sides of the neck. 

 The head and neck are of a bright red colour and entirely devoid 

 of feathers. It has the power of blushing when excited, losing or 

 gaining colour according to the mood of the bird. It obtains its 

 native name of "raj-songo," or king vulture, from the authority it 

 exercises over other birds. 



Condor Vulture (Sarcorhamphus gryphus), Page 34. The 

 condor, a native of the Andes, is reputed to be the largest of 

 all birds of prey, the span of its winsjs being as much as 9 ft. The 

 eggs, which are two in number, are laid upon the bare rock, without 

 any attempt being made to build a nest. 



American King Vulture (Cathartes papa). Page 35. The king 

 vulture of South America is easily distinguished from all other 

 vultures by the brilliant colouring of the bare parts of its neck and 

 head, being brighter and more varied than the Indian vulture. Shades 

 cf orange, crimson and purple form a striking contrast to the black 

 and cream plumage. It is by no means a common bird. 



Black Vulture (Cathartes atratus), Page 36. The American 

 Black Vulture is the sole representative of its genus. It is small in 

 size, being only about 24 or 25 inches in length. In its native parts 

 it is known as the "carrion crow." 



Red backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens), Pages 37 and 38. 

 Pelicans, of which there are about 20 kinds, are found in the 

 warmer parts of the world in great numbers. The long flattened 

 beak and pouch are pronounced features in these birds. The 

 latter is capable of being extended to a great size and able to hold 

 a number of fish, upon which the birds feed. When flying, the neck 

 is bent back over the body. 



Greater Frigate Bird (Fre?ata aguila), Page 39. Otherwise 

 known as the Man-of-War Bird, or Son of the Sun. This 

 bird is found in the tropical seas. For powers of flight it has no 

 equal, being capable _of remaining upon the wing for the greater 

 part of the day. It is curious in being one of the few birds which 

 have the extremities of both mandibles hooked. A large part of its 

 food is obtained by robbing sea-fowl of their booty, although it will 

 catch fish, cuttle-fish, and small turtles on its own account. 



