560 
SYSTEM A TIG SYNOPSIS. — BAP TORES — CA THABTIDES. 
2.7 o X 1.90, white or creamy, variously spotted and blotched with different browns, and with 
lavender or purplish-drab shell- markings. This species has a curious habit of ^' playing 
possum," by simulating deatli when wounded and captured; the feint is admirably executed 
and often long protracted. 
191. CATHARISTA. (Gr. KaBapiCa, katharizo, 1 ])nn{y.) Carrion Crows. Of medium size; 
body stout. Head naked, and generally as in Cathartes, but feathers of the neck running up 
behind to a point on the occiput, the outline of the plumage thus very different. Cere con- 
tracted ; nostrils narrow, less openly pervious than in Cathartes. Wings shorter and relatively 
broader than in Cathartes, not folding to the end of the tail, which is short, only about half the 
wing, and even or emarginate ; 4tli and 5th quills longest. The difference in size and shape 
Fig. 388. — Black Vulture, I nat. size. (From Brebm. ) 
between Cathartes and Catharista is strikingly displayed when the birds are seen flying together ; 
there is also a decided difference in the mode of flight, as Catharista never sails for any distance 
without interrupting that easy motion by flapping the wings. 
538. C.atra'ta. (Lat. a^mia, blackened. Fig. 388.) Carrion Crow. Black Vulture. Adult 
^ 9 : Entire plumage, including skin of head, and bill, blackish ; shafts of the primaries 
white ; bases of the primaries paling to gray or whitish. Tip of bill and feet grayish-yellow ; 
iris brown ; claws black. Smaller than C. aura, in linear dimensions, but a heavier bird ; 
length about 2 feet; extent only about 4i feet; wing 17.00 inches; tail 8.00; tarsus 3.00; 
middle toe rather less ; chord of culmen without cere 1.00 or less. Nesting hke that of C aura; 
eggs similar, but larger, or at any rate longer; about 3.25X2.00. Chiefly S. Atlantic and Gulf 
States, especially maritime, there very numerous, out-numbering the turkey buzzards, and 
semidomesticated in the towns, where their good offices are appreciated; N. regularly to N. C, 
