106 ON THE GEOGRAPHY OF ANIMALS. 
than to the central parts ; while the domestic ass, which, 
in fact, is only an unstriped zebra, if it really exist in 
a wild state north of the equator, may represent, in 
those latitudes, its more elegant brethren. 
(150.) The ornithology of the more southern latitudes 
does not exhibit those strong peculiarities which we have 
seen among the quadrupeds, the greater number of its 
genera being aiso found in Western Africa. It, never- 
theless, offers some interesting features to.our notice ; 
since it is entirely destitute of large gallinaceous birds, 
excepting, indeed, the ostrich, which may more properly 
be considered a general inhabitant of interior Africa. The 
plantain-eaters (Zusophaga), the bristle-necked thrushes, 
(Trichophorus), the ground-shrikes (Prionops), and 
some few other equinoctial forms, do not extend to the 
Cape territories ; and in all probability, were we better 
acquainted with the birds of Western Africa, many 
others would be found restricted to those regions. On 
the other hand, some few genera may be named as 
limited to the more southern latitudes; such, for in- 
stance, as the Gypogeranus, or serpent-eater, —a bird 
whose whole conformation and habits are adapted for 
preying upon the reptiles of the deserts. The long- 
tailed honey-sucker (Velliphaga Cafer Sw.) is confined 
to the most southern portion of Africa: this bird is the 
only instance of the genus Melliphaga being found 
beyond the Australian range; and it is a remarkable 
fact, that it should occur precisely in that part of Africa 
which is the nearest to New Holland. 
(151.) Vultures and eagles are numerous, as might 
be expected in a country where quadrupeds, their natural 
food, are in such abundance. The vultures, however, 
prey only upon the remnants left by the lions and jack- 
als, or by the native hunters. Several very large 
species, of both families, are mentioned by Le Vaillant ; 
and nearly all are peculiar to this part of the continent. 
This is likewise the most southern point reached by the 
slender-billed vulture (Cathartes percnopterus), whose 
range extends through the whole continent, and is only ter- 
minated to the north by the mountains of Central Europe. 
