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Art. V. — RemarJcs on the Birds observed in Upper California, rvith descriptions of 



New Species. By V/illiam Gambel. 



CATHARTES, Illig. 



1. C. CALiFORNiANUS, (Shaw.) Rantz. Californian Vulture, 



This immense and interesting bird, rivalling the Condor in size, and confined 

 exclusively to the Pacific coast, is particularly abundant in California during winter, 

 vi'hen they probably come from Oregon, as they are said to disappear from the region 

 of the Columbia at that time. 



Although it does not display the familiarity of the Turkey Buzzard, yet they are 

 often found in the vicinity of the tovs^ns.* 



It is very voracious, and nothing less than the carcass of a horse or cov^ can make 

 a meal for many of them ; but such food is abundant, at least in the fall of the year, 

 where the dry pasturage has been destroyed by fire, accidentally or intentionally, by 

 the Indians. These fires extend over large tracts of country, and in consequence 

 many cattle perish, as well as from the summer drought. 



It is not uncommon to see them assemble with the gulls, and greedily devour the 

 carcases of whales which have been cast ashore ; they will also frequently pursue 

 wounded game. 



The male in perfect plumage has the skin of the head and neck orange-yellow, and 

 the irides carmine. 



2. C. AURA, (Linn.) Illig. Turkey Vulture. 



The Turkey buzzard is quite as abundant and familiar in California as it is in the 

 southern parts of the United States. It is seldom molested, on account of its useful- 



*I may mention here an instance of the great disposition in the Vultures to become domesticated, and to show- 

 how much they differ in character from the other Accipitres with which they are classified. A Condor, which I 

 saw in Valparaiso, Chili, during the early part of the year 1845, was allowed to roam the city at large, and from its 

 remarkable docility received kind treatment from every one. It would follow and walk alongside of a person like 

 a dog, for a considerable distance, and offer no resistance to being handled or have its feathers or wings smoothed 

 down. It would walk up a long hill leading to a part of the city where the foreigners resided, and when tired of 

 the place, or after having obtained all it could procure to eat, would spread its huge wings and soar down to the 

 city, alighting perhaps on a steeple or other lofty point. So good natured was it that it would receive the caresses 

 of children, and permit them to beat it with switches, or even to attempt to get upon its back. It was fond of 

 thrusting its bill into my pocket, and under the straps of my pantaloons, at the same time shutting its eyes and 

 allowing me to rub and scratch its head. In fact, I think that I have never met with any bird which exhibited more 

 lameness or greater confidence in man than this large and remarkable Condor. They appear to be frequently 

 caught by the Peruvians and ChiUans, and thus tamed; on the mole of Callao (Peru) I have several times seen 

 nearly full grown birds exposed for sale, being confined only by a strong string passed through their open nostrils. 



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