76 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



well and keep themselves in such perfect condition in 

 small cages often not more than six feet square. It 

 is with much satisfaction that one looks at this mag- 

 nificent bird, seated on a rock or tree in its enclosure, 

 absolutely at ease, and with every feather lying 

 smoothly like metal plates on its back. 



The Turkey Vulture, or Turkey Buzzard, as it is 

 commonly called, has rather an extensive range in 

 America, but as a rule it is not found farther north 

 than Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is quite com- 

 mon in the region of the city of Washington and 

 farther south. In general appearance it somewhat 

 resembles a hen Turkey, the skin of the head and neck 

 being of a reddish colour blotched with white. The 

 plumage is rusty black in colour, the under-surface 

 of the wings a light grey, the bill whitish. The feet 

 and legs are red. The eye is bright and piercing and 

 quite intelligent in expression. See Plate 41, Fig. 

 243. 



These birds are extremely useful in ridding the 

 ground of fetid matter that would otherwise pollute 

 the air, and consequently they are rigidly protected. 

 They are almost exclusively carrion-eaters, although 

 like other Vultures they will eat fresh meat when ob- 

 tainable. Their sight is remarkably keen, and they 

 are often seen flying over wooded or marshy country, 

 seeking with their sharp eyes for the carcasses of 

 animals. After these birds have eaten heavily, they 

 sit, like the Old World Vultures, in a drooping atti- 

 tude, with wings hanging listlessly at their sides. 

 The object of this is probably to air and cleanse the 

 feathers, but when in this position they have a most 

 depressing effect upon the observer. 



