12 THE CONDOR. 



of reddish-brown, which is variable in depth in different individuals. In the earlier stages 

 <i!' iis existence, the Lammergeyer is of a much darker hue, and the white dashes upon the 

 back are not so purely white nor so clearly defined. The head and neck are dark-brown, and 

 the brown hue of the hack is of so deep a tint that the young bird has been classed as a 

 separate species, under the title of Yultiir niger, or Black Vulture. 



Like the true Vultures, the Lammergeyer is invaluable as a scavenger, and if an animal be 

 killed and left exposed to view, the bird is sure to find out the spot in a very short time, and 

 to make its appearance as if called by some magic spell from the empty air. But as there is 

 not a sufficiency of dead animals for the food of this hungry and powerful bird, it makes prey 

 of lambs, kids, hares, and such like animals, nor disdains to feed even on rats, mice, and other 

 small quadrupeds. With the larger animals, such as the chamois, the Lammergeyer cannot 

 successfully cope on level ground, but taking advantage of its wings, it hurls itself suddenly 

 against some devoted animal which is standing heedlessly near a precipice, and by the force of 

 its blow strikes the poor creature into the depths below, whither it is immediately followed by 

 its destroyer. Even mankind is said to be endangered by these sudden attacks of a hungry 

 Lammergeyer, and more than one chamois-hunter is reported as having been killed by an 

 assault from one of these birds. 



The Lamb-vulture, as is the import of its name, does not restrict itself solely to the 

 snowy mountains on which it takes up its chief residence, but often makes considerable 

 journeys into the cultivated portion of the country, for the sake of picking up the lambs and 

 other valley-inhabiting animals. 



The general aspect of the Lammergeyer is more like that of an eagle than a. Vulture, 

 bul its carriage and demeanor are devoid of that fearless, regal grandeur which is so char- 

 acteristic of the eagles of all lands. When Hying, however, its appearance is truly 

 magnificent, and on account of its great sweep of wing and powerful flight, the size of the 

 Lammergeyer has been greatly exaggerated. Indeed, it is probable that the celebrated roc, 

 which plays so important a part in the adventures of Sindbad the Sailor, and in other por- 

 tions of the Arabian Nights, is merely the Lammergeyer, viewed through the magnifying 

 medium of Oriental exaggeration. 



Tin: Family of Vultures {Cathartidm) embraces four species in North America. Two 

 distinct families are recognized among the birds of the world. The Old World Vultures 

 form the second family. In South America is found the great typical bird of the race, 

 the Condor. The Vultures of the Old World are regarded as being nearer the falcons in 

 structure than those of the other family; they also have somewhat similar habits. They 

 lack the courage and strength of the falcons, and rarely attack anything capable of vigorous 

 resistance. 



The Vultures are naturally carrion-feeders. Their feet, though large, are not adapted to 

 clasp and hold with the vise-like grip of the other birds of prey. Their heads and a good 

 portion of their necks are bare of feathers. It is reasonable to assume that this is a wise pro- 

 vision of nature ; as such parts are certainly kept more cleanly than would be the case if the 

 parts were feathered. 



Vultures are not naturally gregarious, but when a carcase is scented multitudes of them 

 are seen gathering from every point. Some species, however, breed in communities. Vultures 

 have no voice, excepting when disturbed, then they emit a hissing sound. 



This family is tropical in habitat, though some species range somewhat beyond ; as in the 

 case of the California and Turkey Vultures. 



On account of a curious fleshy appendage which decorates the base of the bill and the 

 neighboring portions of the head, a small group of Vultures has been separated from the 

 remaining species, and gathered into a family under the appropriate title of Sarcorhamphidse, 

 or Flesh-beaked Vulture. This family is but a small one. comprising the Condor, the King 

 Vulture, and the well known American Vultures, or Zopilotes. 



Although not exceeding the Lammergeyer in dimensions, the Condor has been long 



