AVES— VULTURE. 425 



THE BLACK VULTURE. i 



This bird has sometimes been confounded with the turkey buzzard. But 

 they are much darker in their plumage than the latter, and never associate 

 with them. Their mode of flight also differ from that of the turkey buz- 

 zard. The latter, though found in the vicinity of towns, rarely .ventures 

 within them. It is not so impatient of cold as the former, and is likewise 

 less lazy. Unless pressed by hunger, it will not eat of a carcass until it 

 becomes putrid. The black vulture is not so fastidious, but devours animal 

 food without distinction. They are very indolent, and may be seen loitering 

 for hours together in one place. It is said that they sometimes attack young 

 pigs, and eat off their ears and tails; but those instances are rare. 



In the towns and villages of the southern states, they may be seen saunter- 

 ing about the streets ; sunning themselves on the roofs of the houses and 

 the fences ; or, if the weather be cold, cowering around the tops of the 

 chimneys to enjoy the benefit of the heat, which to them is a peculiar grati- 

 fication. They are protected by law or usage; and may be said to be com- 

 pletely domesticated, being as common as the domestic poultry, and equally 

 familiar. The inhabitants generally are disgusted with their filthy habits ; 

 but notwithstanding, being viewed as contributing to the removal of the 

 dead animal matter, which, if permitted to putrefy during the hot season, 

 would render the atmosphere impure, they have a respect paid them as sca- 

 vengers, Avhose labors are subservient to the public good. It sometimes 

 happens that after having gorged themselves, these birds vomit down the 

 chimneys, which must be intolerably disgusting, and must provoke the iU- 

 will of those Avhose hospitality is thus requited. 



' Cathartes Vidturinus, Tejim. 



54 



