424 AVES— TURKEY BUZZARD. 



This bird is about the size of a turkey. The head and neck are bare of 

 feathers, and of a reddish color, and the sides of the head warted hke those 

 of the turkey. The whole plumage is a brownish black, with a purple and 

 greenish gloss in different directions. 



This species is well known throughout the United States, but is most 

 numerous in the southern section of the Union. In the northern and mid- 

 dle states, it is partially migratory, the greater part retiring to the south on 

 the approach of cold weather. But numbers remain all the winter in Mary- 

 land, Delaware, and New Jersey ; particularly in the vicinity of the large 

 rivers and the ocean, Avhich afford a supply of food at all seasons. The 

 female lays from two to four eggs in an old hollow tree or stump. If any 

 one approach the young, and attempt to handle them, they will immedi- 

 ately vomit such offensive matter as to compel the intruder to a precipitate 

 retreat. 



The turkey buzzards are gregarious, peaceable, and harmless ; never offer- 

 ing any violence to a living animal, nor depriving the husbandman of his 

 stock. Hence, though in consequence of their filthy habits they are not be- 

 loved, yet they are respected for their usefulness ; and in the southern states 

 where they are most needed, they, as well as the black vultures, are protected 

 by a law, which imposes a fine on those who wilfully deprive them of life. 

 They generally roost in flocks on the limbs of large trees ; and they may be 

 seen on a summer's morning, spreading out their wings to the rising sun, 

 and remaining in that posture for a considerable time. 



The sense of smell in the turkey buzzard is astonishingly exquisite, and 

 they never fail to discover carrion, even when at the distance of several 

 miles. When once they have found a carcass, if not molested, they will 

 remain in the place till the whole is devoured. At such times, they eat so 

 immoderately that frequently they are incapable of rising, and may be caught 

 without difficulty ; but few that are acquainted with them, will have the 

 temerity to undertake the task. A man in the state of Delaware some years 

 since, observing some turkey buzzards regaling themselves upon the carcass 

 of a horse, which was in a highly putrid state, conceived the design of 

 making a captive of one, to take home for the amusement of his children. 

 He cautiously approached, and springing upon the unsuspecting group, 

 grasped a fine plump fellow in his arms, and was bearing off his prize in 

 triumph ; when lo ! the indignant vulture disgorged such a torrent of filth in 

 the face of our hero, that it produced all the effects of the most powerful 

 emetic, and forever cured him of his inclination for turkey buzzards. 



On the continent of America this species inhabits a vast range of territory, 

 running it is said from Nova Scotia to Terra del Fuego, though it is com- 

 paratively rare inthe northern states of the Union. They are numerous in 

 ihe West India islands. 



