Feet and Legs Ewald 
clearly in the appearance of its feet. Compare the feet 
of a vulture (Fig. 296) with those of one of the true birds 
of prey (Fig. 295). The muscles are weaker and the claws 
are shorter, more blunt, and, as a result, the toes have lost 
their clasping power, while the hind toe is higher and so 
Fic. 296.—Feet of Vulture. (E. R. Sanborn, photographer. ) 
small that it is of no use even in perching. Such is the 
condition in the condor of South America. 
When in captivity an eagle is given a piece of meat, it 
seizes the food in its talons and flies to some favourite 
spot to devour it, but a condor transports its meal in 
