CARRION HAWKS 59 



last species. It is truly omnivorous, and will eat even bread ; 

 and I was assured that it materially injures the potato-crops in 

 Chiloe, by stocking up the roots when first planted. Of all the 

 carrion-feeders it is generally the last which leaves the skeleton 

 of a dead animal ; and may often be seen within the ribs of a 

 cow or horse, like a bird in a cage. Another species is the 

 Polyborus Novae Zelandiae, which is exceedingly common in the 

 Falkland Islands. These birds in many respects resemble in 

 their habits the Carranchas. They live on the flesh of dead 

 animals and on marine productions ; and on the Ramirez rocks 

 their whole sustenance must depend on the sea. They are ex- 

 traordinarily tame and fearless, and haunt the neighbourhood of 

 houses for offal. If a hunting party kills an animal, a number 

 soon collect and patiently await, standing on the ground on all 

 sides. After eating, their uncovered craws are largely pro- 

 truded, giving them a disgusting appearance. They readily 

 attack wounded birds : a cormorant in this state having taken 

 to the shore, was immediately seized on by several, and its 

 death hastened by their blows. The Beagle was at the Falk- 

 lands only during the summer, but the officers of the Adventure, 

 who were there in the winter, mention many extraordinary 

 instances of the boldness and rapacity of these birds. They 

 actually pounced on a dog that was lying fast asleep close by 

 one of the party ; and the sportsmen had difficulty in preventing 

 the wounded geese from being seized before their eyes. It is 

 said that several together (in this respect resembling the 

 Carranchas) wait at the mouth of a rabbit-hole, and together 

 seize on the animal when it comes out. They were constantly 

 flying on board the vessel when in the harbour ; and it was 

 necessary to keep a good look-out to prevent the leather being 

 torn from the rigging, and the meat or game from the stern. 

 These birds are very mischievous and inquisitive ; they will 

 pick up almost anything from the ground ; a large black 

 glazed hat was carried nearly a mile, as was a pair of the heavy 

 balls used in catching cattle. Mr. Usborne experienced during 

 the survey a more severe loss, in their stealing a small Kater's 

 compass in a red morocco leather case, which was never 

 recovered. These birds arc, moreover, quarrelsome and very 

 passionate ; tearing up the grass with their bills from rage. 

 They are not truly gregarious ; they do not soar, and their 



