BLACK VULTURE 



105 



vomit down the chimneys^ which must be intolerably disgusting^ 

 and must provoke the ill will of those whose hospitality is thus 

 requited. 



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 -buzzards; and are much darker in their 

 plumage than the latter. Their mode of flight also varies from 

 that of the Turkey-buzzard. 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, 

 moves with 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. 



It is said that the Black Vultures sometimes attack young 

 pigs, and eat off their ears and tails; and we have even heard sto- 

 ries of their assaulting feeble calves and picking out their eyes. 

 But these instances are rare ; if otherwise they would not receive 

 that countenance or protection which is so universally extended 

 to them, in the states of South Carolina and Georgia, where they 

 1 abound. 



" This undescribed species,^' says Mr. Bartram, " is a native 

 of the maritime parts of Georgia and of the Floridas, where they 

 are called Carrion-crows. They flock together, and feed upon 

 carrion; but do not mix with the Turkey-buzzard (F. aura). Their 

 wings are broad and round at their extremities. Their tail, which 

 they spread like a fan when on the wing, is remarkably short. 

 They have a heavy, laborious flight, flapping their wings, and 



VOL. IX. D d 



