Notes on Some Experiments Made on the Buzzard of Carolina — 

 Cathartes Aura and C. Atratus 



By John Bachman 



(from original undated manuscript) 



IN consequence of various opinions having been expressed respecting the 

 habits of the Turkey Buzzard I determined to make a number of ex- 

 periments, which I intended to direct to the following inquiries: 



i. Is there any truth in the opinion expressed by a person who signs 

 himself Maj. Pillaus — that when the Buzzard's eyes are put out he can by 

 placing them under his wing renew them again. 



2. What food does the Buzzard prefer — fresh or putrid meat ? 



3. What are the powers of smell and sight of this bird — whether is he 

 attracted to his food by sight or by the smell ? 



4. The general habits of the bird ? 



1 6th (December) tried some experiments with a small piece of beef — 

 results detailed below. 



1 8th (December) placed a dead Hare which had accidentally been killed 

 into the lower part of my vegetable garden, near which a rat-trap was plac- 

 ed. In the course of the day several Buzzards were attracted by the animal. 

 They flew along with their heads bent first one way then another seeming 

 to look out for food. Several flew past without observing it. Occasionally 

 one would see the object and immediately make a sudden turn, after once or 

 twice passing around they alighted near the meat and three Turkey Buzzards 

 were caught in succession, as well as a Black Vulture — all made their es- 

 cape on account of the make-up of the springs of the trap. The Black 

 Vulture evidently was the strongest and extricated himself with greatest 

 ease. A few days before a piece of fresh beef not more than an inch in di- 

 ameter was placed in the trap and it met the eyes of several Vultures who 

 had ingenuity enough to take off the meat without being caught. 



That both species of Buzzards eat fresh meat is well known in this 

 part of the United States. The Black Vulture is seen daily about the mar- 



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