

PONDICHERRY VULTURE.-O'tojj/ps calmiA. 



brown, the naked portions of the neck and head are of a bluish hue, and it is specially 

 notable for a tuft of long soft feathers which spring from the insertion of the wings. In 

 spite of its large size and great muscular powers, the Arabian Vulture is not a dangerous 

 neighbour even to the farmer, for unless it is pressed by severe hunger, it seems rather to 

 have a dread of living animals, and contents itself with feeding on any carrion which may 

 come in its way. Sometimes, however, after a protracted fast, its fears are overruled by its 

 hunger, and the bird makes a raid upon the sheepfolds or the goatr-flocks, in the hope of 

 carrying off a tender lamb or kid. In these illegal excursions the bird often pays tlie 

 penalty of its transgression with its life, being too hungry to be watchful, and easily shot. 

 Hares and other small animals also fall victims to the starving Vulture, and it is 

 said that even deer are slain by the united efforts of a pair of these birds. 



The usual haunts of this species are situated on the mountain toj^s, and the 

 bird does not descend into the valleys except when pressed by hunger. The specific 

 title of Monachus or Monk has been given to this species on account of the hood- 

 like ruff' around its neck, which is thought to bear a fanciful resemblance to the 

 hood of a monk. 



