ORNITHOLOGY. 



2. Class AYES-BIEDS. 



1. Order KAPTORES.— Rapacious Birds. 

 1. Family VULTURID^.— The Vultures. 

 1. Genus SARCORAMPHUS, Dumeril, Analyse, p. 32 (1806). 

 1. Sarcoramphus grtphus {Linn.). — The Condor. 



Vultur gryphus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, p. 121 (1766). 



Vultur inagellanicus, Shaw, Mus. Lever, p. 1, pi. I (1792). 



Vultur condor, Shaw, Gen. Zool. I, p. 2 (1809). 



Bonap. Am. Orn. IV, Plate XXTI ; Temm. PL Col. 133, 408, 464 ; 

 Zool. Voy. Bonite, Plate II ; Humb. Obs. Zool. Plate VIII, IX. 



The Condor was frequently seen by the naturalists attached to the 

 Expedition, and the note-book of Dr. Pickering contains observations 

 relating to its history and general habits, which are of much interest. 

 Availing ourselves of the permission kindly granted by this learned 

 gentleman, we have introduced the following extracts : 



" Valparaiso, April, 1839. Two condors, soaring high in the air, 

 were seen during an excursion to Santiago." This is the first notice 

 that occurs in Dr. Pickering's Journal ; afterwards he says, under this 

 date : 



" Callao, May 22d, 1839. In its proper home, and where it presents 

 itself in the character of the bold and fearless bird described by writers, 



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