194 



Four young birds taken from the same nest differ remarkably in size 

 and general development, the smallest being- apparently just hatched, 

 while the largest is nearly one-third grovyn, with well-developed feathers 

 in the wings and tail. The other specimens were intermediate. The 

 collector, remarking upon this disparity, believes that they were hatched 

 SQCcessively, the female having commenced incubation as soon as the 

 first egg was laid. This is after the manner of the American Cuckoos 

 (Goccyzus) ; but a similar case among the raptorial birds is so exceptional 

 that the present instance is very remarkable. 



The local name of this bird is given by the collector as " Oalalie", by 

 which is probably meant Queleli, a name by which several vultures, 

 besides hawks of the group to which the present species belongs, are 

 known in portions of Mexico and California. It is stated to be the most 

 conspicuous, and in one sense most notable, bird of the island, from its 

 abundance, its size, and the damage it does to the flocks of goats. A 

 good idea of its daring and its ferocity may be gathered from the col- 

 lectors memoranda : — 



Collector'' s notes. 



" The ' Calalie' is abundant on every part of the island; and no bird 

 could be a more persistent or more cruel enemy of the poultry and domes- 

 tic animals. It is continually on the watch, and in spite of every precau- 

 tion often snatches its prey from the very doors of the houses. The de- 

 struction of the wild goats is not so great, as these animals are better 

 able to protect themselves than the tame ones. iSTo sooner is one kid 

 born — while the mother is in labor with the second — than the birds 

 pounce upon it ; and should the old one be able to interfere, she is also 

 assaulted. No kid is safe from their attacks. Should a number be to- 

 gether, the birds unite their forces, and, with great noise and flapping 

 of their wings, generally manage to separate the weakest one and dis- 

 patch it. They sometimes fasten upon the tongue when the poor crea- 

 ture opens its mouth to bleat, and have been known to tear it out, leav- 

 ing the animal to perish, if not otherwise destroyed. Sometimes the 

 anus is the point of first attack. The birds are cruel in the extreme, 

 and the torture sometimes inflicted upon the defenseless animals is pain- 

 ful to witness. They occasionally, when pressed by hunger, attack fnll- 

 grown goats ; numbers harass it together from all sides at once, and 

 soon put it to death. A' burro* (jackass) which had accidentally be- 

 come wedged among some rocks, w-as once furiously attacked and lost 

 its eyes before assistance reached it. Even when food is plenty, they 

 often attack living animals instead of contenting themselves with the 

 carcasses of those already dead, seeming to delight in killing. Should 

 one of their own number be disabled or wounded, it is instantly dis- 

 patched by the rest. Hundreds of the birds have been destroyed by the 

 inhabitants, both with ijoison and fire arms, without noticeable diminu- 

 tion of their numbers. They are said to lay three eggs, speckled like a 

 gull's. When surprised or wounded, they emit a loud, harsh scream, 

 something like that of the Bald Eagle. In fighting among themselves, 

 they make a curious gabbling noise ; and under any special excitement 

 the same sounds are given forth, with ah odd motion of the head, the 

 neck being first stretched out to its full length and then bent backward 

 till the head almost rests upon the back. The same odd motions are 

 made and similar noises emitted when the birds are about to make an 

 attack upon a kid. 



" Besides the principal sources of food-supply already indicated, the 

 birds have other means of subsistence. They eat small birds, mice, 



