1838.] Notice of the Himalayan Vulture Eagle. 21 



I have seen these birds from Subathu to th« Snowy range; they 

 are by no means of rare occurrence throughout the Hills, and at Simla 

 are sometimes even numerous. They may be seen in all stages of 

 plumage, from the dark-colored yearling, to the rich orange hue of the 

 adult. During its flight the dark gorget on the breast of the mature 

 bird is distinctly visible, and is darkest and most conspicuous in the 

 female. Immature birds have the plumage of a dark brownish or black- 

 ish colour, varied according to age, with a few buff or dusky orange 

 feathers intermixed ; the under parts are also dark and the gorget conse- 

 quently wanting. In those of the first year, the black bristles leading 

 over the eyes to the hind part of the head are likewise wanting, but in 

 the second and after years, as the plumage advances to maturity, these 

 bristles also appear. 



Their flight is strong and swift, and in the habit of sweeping through 

 the air on extended wing, and in the occasional deep bending of the 

 pinions as they renew the force of their advance, they are not unlike the 

 Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulceus), and this resemblance is often 

 much heightened during the rainy season, when the white clouds rolling 

 through the dark valleys of the Hills, give to the scene the appearance 

 of a stormy sea. The Himalayan Vulture Eagle, though often seen 

 by two and three at a time, is not gregarious; they feed on offal and 

 carrion and the smaller animals, and like the kite (Falco cheelaj will 

 carry off portions of flesh in their talons and devour them on the wing. 

 They are wary birds and will not descend to a bait as long as they 

 perceive any person on the watch; they are difficult to bring within 

 range of shot in consequence, and unless the fowler lies concealed he 

 may often watch for days without succeeding in bringing down a speci- 

 men. When pressed by hunger, however, which in these regions must 

 sometimes be the case, he becomes much bolder and is more regardless 

 of danger, though still somewhat cautious in his approach to man. If 

 flesh be left exposed unwatched, he does not scruple to take his share, 

 using the utmost despatch and casting a keen glance around as if con- 

 scious of the theft and fearful of detection. On alighting, the attitude, and 

 particularly the gait in walking, very strongly resemble those of the 

 " Neophron percuopterus," the head and neck being held rather erect 

 and the feet, in walking, lifted high off the ground. 



The only sound I have heard them emit, is a hoarse croaking note 

 uttered when angry. 



They moult once in the year, during the months of May, June and 

 part of July. 



I have occasionally seen them soaring round in company with the 



