6io 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



There is a variety of the above bird rather larger than the one 

 just noticed. It is common in the Alps, Pyrenees, the Tyrol, the 

 Greek Archipelago, and also in the south of Spain, in Egypt, and a 

 great part of Africa. In autumn it leaves the temperate regions to 

 winter in warmer climes. M. Degland and M. Bouteille mention 

 various instances of courage shown by it, wherein it repelled dogs 

 wishing to participate of its food. Another bird of the same kind, 

 having flown away from its master's house, grievously wounded two 



men who endeavoured to catch it. 

 The shepherds fear it even more 

 than the preceding. 



The Sociable Vulture (Otogyps 

 auricularis) is a native of the lofty 

 mountain regions of Africa. It 

 has a rleshy crest, which, taking its 

 rise close to each ear, extends down 

 the neck ; from this it derives its 

 Latin specific name. Levaillant, 

 who often observed it in Africa, 

 was several times a witness of its 

 voracity. One day he had killed 

 a couple of buffaloes, and, after 

 having had them cut up, caused 

 the quarters of meat to be hung to 

 dry in the sun ; they were soon 

 assailed by a flock of these Vultures, 

 which carried away the pieces of 

 flesh in spite of the numerous gun- 

 shots with which they were greeted. 

 On another occasion, having killed 

 three zebras at some distance from 

 his camp, he went to find a wagon 

 to carry them home ; on his return 

 he found nothing but the bones remaining, round which hundreds 

 of Vultures were hovering. 



The Pondicherry Vulture {Otogyps calvus, Fig. 285) is a well 

 known Indian bird : it is scarcely as large as the one previously 

 described, but in habits of life they are very similar. 



Lastly, the Chinese Vulture ( Vultur kuconotus), which is about 

 the size of a Turkey, is of a dirty brownish black on the body, and 

 white about the shoulders ; it is very common in the southern portions 

 of the Celestial Empire. 



Fig. 285.— Pondicherry Vulture. 



