121 



stages of dissolution. In Canada the species is of little economic im- 

 portance, but in the south their scavenging is an important safeguard 

 to the health of the more careless communities and in many places they 

 are rigorously protected by law for sanitary reasons. 



Genus — Cathartes. 



325. Turkey Vulture, turkey buzzard, pr. — ~le vautour aura. Cathartes 

 aura. L, 30. An all-dark bird, nearly black, with head and neck naked or in juveniles 

 covered with greyish brown, fur-like down. 



Distinctions. This species can be confused only with the next, but as the ranges 

 of the two in Canada do not overlap there is little likelihood of misidentification. The 

 base of the bill is bright red in the adult and the head and neck dull red. The under-surface 

 of the wings is without silvery sheen. 



Field Marks. The naked head and neck make the best field mark of the Vultures. 

 The red colour of these parts identifies this species. 



Nesting. On the ground, usually in a hollow log. 



Distribution. Over most of North America north to the Canadian line which, in the 

 east, it barely crosses in southern Ontario. A few may come in from Manitoba more or 

 less regularly. 



SUBSPECIES. The species occupying most of North and South America is sub- 

 specifically divided. The form occurring north of Mexico is the Northern Turkey Vulture 

 Cathartes aura septentrionalis. 



Economic Status. Being a carrion feeder no harm can be charged 

 against the species. 



Genus — Coragyps. Black Vulture. 



326. Black Vulture, fr. — le vautour noir. Coragyps urubu. L, 24. Very 

 like the Turkey Vulture, but slightly smaller. 



Distinctions. Distinguished from the preceding by the neck, head, and base of the 

 bill being black instead of red or pink. 



Field Marks. The general blackness of the bare head parts and a silvery sheen to 

 the underwing surface are diagnostic in life. The tail is shorter than that of the Turkey 

 Buzzard and the bird looks blacker. 



Distribution. A bird of more eastern distribution than the Turkey Vulture. Regular 

 from Virginia south, straggling across our borders occasionally in the Maritime Provinces. 



Of too infrequent occurrence in Canada for more than passing men- 

 tion. It is to be expected occasionally only in the Maritime Provinces. 



SUBORDER— FALCONES. DIURNAL BIRDS OF PREY. 



General Description. Bill strongly hooked from the base (Figure 33, p. 23), where 

 it is covered with a swollen cere or mass of yellow waxy-looking tissue in which the nostrils 

 appear. This tissue is distinctly softer than the bill proper and usually yellow in colour. 

 The feet are powerful and furnished with strong claws or talons for capturing and holding 

 living prey (Figure 31, p. 23). 



Distinctions. The members of this suborder differ from the Vultures in having the 

 bill shorter and more strongly hooked and the head feathered instead of bare (Compare 

 Figures 30, 33, p. 23) ; and from the next suborder, the Owls, in lacking distinct facial disks 

 (Figure 34, p. 24) about the eyes which are so set in the Owls as to look directly forward 

 instead of from the sides of the head as in most birds. 



These are the birds generally recognized as the Hawks and the Eagles. 

 They are represented in Canada by three families: Buteonidce, the common 

 Buzzard Hawks and Eagles; Falconidce, the true Falcons and Cara- 

 caras; and Pandionidce, the Ospreys or Fish Hawks. 



