BIRDS OF PREY. 



73 



distance upon the ground, or on a neighbouring tree, from whence, with head sunk between its wings, 

 it casts longing glances at the tempting meal, and appears to.be endeavouring to put a very keen edge 

 indeed upon its appetite by this self-enforced abstinence, which often lasts for a full half-hour. This 

 unusual proceeding is followed by an onslaught so vigorous, that the royal glutton forgets its usual 

 vigilant precautions for its own safety, and becomes so completely gorged as to be unable to rise from 

 the spot on which it has breakfasted. Schomburghk tells us that whatever birds may be feasting on a 

 dead animal, the Vulture King no sooner arrives at the scene of action than the busy crowd pre- 

 cipitately retire, leaving it in undisturbed possession of the spoil, and only return in case a few scraps 

 should be left after the unwelcome monarch is fully satiated. Many writers have endeavoured to 



THE KING OF THE VULTURES [Sarcorhamphus papa). 



prove the falsity of this statement, but it tallies exactly with our own observations. We have 

 frequently witnessed similar scenes, in which the disappointed birds never ventured to interfere with 

 the lord of the feast, but perched around upon the trees, devouring with their eyes what was unattain- 

 able in a more satisfactory and substantial manner. Opinions also differ considerably as to the 

 habits of this species during the breeding season ; we shall, therefore, only say that, according to 

 Burmeister, the King of the Vultures builds upon trees, and that the eggs are white. 



The GOOSE VULTURES {Gyps) are recognisable by their elongated body and long, slender 



wings. The tail is of moderate length, and the tarsi low. The neck, which constitutes the peculiar 



characteristic of this group, resembles in its formation that of the Goose, and is covered with white 



downy hair or bristles. The beak is comparatively long and feeble. The plumage is composed of 



VOL. II. — 49 



