630 



EAPTORES, OE BIRDS OF PREY. 



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 



Fin;. ;JOU. — TUii ijriiziiiaii Carac iriis (^Po'ijbijn^ bnuUieiisW). 



the watchfulness of the shepherd, will destro}' the ncwlj'-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 oven engage in sanguinarj' con- 

 flicts with its own species for the possession of prej*. Contrary 

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

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

 broods a year. The Caracara laj^s two eggs ; the nest is generally 

 placed on the ground among brushwood. 



Besides the four species we have meniioncd there is also 

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



