VULTURIDiE. 7 



places where deer are numerous, this bird is common *." Mr. Ord informs us, 

 that ' ( the Black Vultures are indolent, and may be observed in companies, loitering 

 for hours together in one place. They do not associate with the Turkey Vultures, 

 and are much darker in their plumage ; their mode of flight also varies from that 

 of the latter. The Black Vulture flaps its wings five or six times rapidly, then 

 sails with them extended nearly horizontally ; the Turkey Buzzard seldom flaps 

 its wings, and when sailing they form an angle, with the body upwards. The latter, 

 though found in the vicinity of towns, rarely ventures within them, and then 

 always appearing cautious of the near approach of any one. It is not so 

 impatient of cold as the former, and is likewise less lazy. The Black Vulture on 

 the ground hops along very awkwardly ; the Turkey Buzzard, though seemingly 

 inactive, hops along w T ith an even gait. The latter, unless pressed by hunger, 

 will not eat of a carcass until it becomes putrid ; the former is not so fastidious, 

 but devours animal food without distinction." — " The Black Vulture builds its 

 nest in the large trees of low wet swamps, to which places they retire every 

 evening to rest." 



DESCRIPTION, 

 From Wilson's American Ornithology. 



" The Black Vulture is twenty-six inches in length, and four feet four inches in extent. 

 The bill is two inches and a half long, of a dark horn-colour for near an inch ; the re- 

 mainder, the head, and a part of the neck, are covered with a black, wrinkled, caruncled 

 skin, beset with short black hairs, and downy behind. Nostril an oblong slit. Irides reddish- 

 hazel. The throat is dashed with yellow ochre. The general colour of the plumage is of a 

 dull black, except the primaries, which are whitish on the inside, and have four of their 

 broadened edges below of a drab, or dark cream colour, extending two inches, which is seen 

 only when the wing is unfolded ; the shafts of the feathers white on both sides. The wings, 

 when folded, are about the length of the tail, the fifth feather being the longest ; the secon- 

 daries are two inches shorter than the tail, which is slightly forked, the exterior feathers three- 

 quarters of an inch longer than the rest. The legs are limy, three inches and a half in 

 length, and, with the feet, are thick and strong ; the middle toe is four inches long, side toe 

 two inches, and considerably webbed ; inner toe rather the shortest ; claws strong, but not 

 sharp, like those of the Falco genus ; middle claw three-quarters of an inch long. The 

 stomach is not. lined with hair, as reported. When opened, this bird smells strongly of 

 musk." 



* See Note, p. 4. 



