630 



EAPTOEBS, OE BIRDS OP PEET. 



beasts of burden. It will even attack horses and mules which 

 are galled by the pack-saddle, fastening greedily on their wounds, 

 and would actually devour them alive if the quadrupeds had not 

 the sagacity to dislodge them by rolling on the ground. It will 

 also take up its abode near flocks of sheep, and if it can evade 



Fig. 30U. — The JirazUmii Oarac-iras (^Poiybartis brasiliensis). 



the watchfulness of the shepherd, will destroy the newly-born 

 lamb. 



Having confidence in its own strength, the Caracara frequently 

 pursues other birds, especially Vultures and Gulls, which it forces 

 to disgorge their food. It will even engage in sanguinary con- 

 flicts with its own species for the possession of prey. Contrary 

 to the habit of most birds in a state of freedom, it remains con- 

 stantly paired, without, however, having more than one or two 

 broods a year. The Caracara lays two eggs ; the nest is generally 

 placed on the ground among brushwood. 



Besides the four species we have m.entioned there is also 

 the Caracara funebris, thus named on account of its plumage. 



