ILLUSTRATIONS 



OP 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



ORDER. RAPTORES. 



VULTURIDiE. 



The members of this branch of the order of Birds of Prey 

 are distinguished by having the head partly divested of fea- 

 thers, or clothed with a short down ; the beak straight at the 

 base and inclining downwards at the tip in both mandibles. 

 Their general aspect is sluggish, and their usual appearance, 

 when at rest, with the wings drooping. They differ in many 

 essential particulars from the more noble birds of prey, espe- 

 cially in their food, which consists, in most of the species, of 

 animals that have fallen a prey to disease or accident, offal, 

 and decaying animal remains. One European species only, 

 the Vultur Barbatus, which approaches in many respects to 

 the habits of the Falconidse, chooses for its food living 

 subjects. 



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