SOUTHERN AFRICA.— BIRDS. 107 
47 The occipital vulture (V. 
occipitalis Burch., fig. 47.), 
one of the most imposing 
species, is very rare, al- 
though it has been likewise 
observed in Nubia by Mr. 
Ruppel. The Orican is a 
peculiar vulture, very re- 
markable from having its 
ears furnished externally 
with a pendulous wattle. 
The basha, or great crested 
eagle, reminds us of the 
Ee S American Aquila destructor: 
it is, however, sinaller ; and has been likewise named as 
a native of India. Southern Africa, in short, presents 
us alone with nearly twice the number of vultures found 
throughout the whole continents of America or of Asia ; 
still fewer inhabit Europe ; and it is supposed not one 
occurs in Australia. 
(152.) On turning to the smaller rapacious birds, 
living upon the lesser animals and insects, we trace a sin- 
gular mixture of local and European ornithology. The 
common European buzzard is figured by Le Vaillant, 
who also notices the great horned owl, the long-eared 
owl, and the scops, or little owl, as all existing in South- 
ern Africa. The most remark- 
able species of this part of Africa 
is the chou-cou of Le Vaillant, 
the Strix Africana of authors 
(fig.48.); for it comes nearer inits 
general form, and long tail, to the 
falcons, than even the hawk-owl 
of Hudson’s Bay. On the other 
hand, we have received from 
the Cape of Good Hope the 
common barn owl of Europe ; 
bright er, indeed, in its colours, 
yet, to all appearance, the same 
