ACCIPITRES. 
165 
The Fulvous Vulture (F. fulvus, 
Gm.) is the most widely-diffused spe- 
cies, inhabiting the mountainous parts 
of the whole ancient continent. Its 
body surpasses in size that of a Swan 
[possibly in the instance of some fe- 
males. This bird has been errone- 
ously stated to have fourteen tail- 
feathers.* The greater number of the 
genus possess similar characters.] 
The Dusky Vulture (F. cinereus, 
Gm.)— As widely distributed as the 
preceding [but less numerously], and 
still larger ; it frequently attacks liv- 
ing animals. [This species exemplifies 
the subgenus Gyps of Savigny : hav- 
ing the beak more sharply pointed, 
the nostrils almost round, and the 
head partially clothed with feathers. 
The Vultures generally, indeed, have 
the head and neck feathered when 
young, like the Turkey and other 
birds which have bald heads in a state 
of maturity ; the immature F. Ango- 
lensis, Gm., is doubtfully figured by 
Bennett as a species of Caracara (Po- 
lyborus? hypoleucos) •, but the adults 
Fi>r. 73.— 1, hind margin of the sternum of a true Vulture— 2, ditto, of Neophron— 3, ditto, of of that SpecieS Continue tO haVe thOSe 
Cathartet aura— A, ditto, of C. Californianus, the foramina of which have become obliterated . ^ j n 
—5, ditto, of another presumed Cathartes — 6, ditto, of Secretary. parts invested.] 
The Oricou Vulture (F. auricularis. Baud.), an African species, [probably the largest of the true Vultures,] has 
a longitudinal fleshy crest on each side of the neck, above the ear, [a character which likewise occurs, less promi- 
nently, in one or two others]. 
America produces Vultures remarkable for the caruncles which surmount the membrane at the base 
of the beak ; the latter is as large as in the preceding, but the nostrils are oval and longitudinal. 
They are 
The Condors (Sarcoramphus, Dumeril), — 
[A very distinct genus, remarkable for having no muscles attached to the trachea, in consequence of 
which they are necessarily deprived of voice, emitting no sound beyond a weak snorting. Their hind 
toe is shorter than in other Accipitres.'} 
The King Condor (F. papa, Lin).— Size of a Goose. The naked parts of the head and neck vividly coloured, and 
the caruncle denticulated like the comb of a cock. It inhabits the Pampas and other hot parts of South America. 
This species is termed the King of the Vultures, from the Gallinazos giving place to it, through fear, whenever it 
settles upon a carcase which they had begun to devour. 
The Great Condor (F. Lin.); the male of which, in addition to his superior caruncle t, has another 
under the beak, like the cock. The female differs in colour, and is without the caruncles. This bird has been 
rendered famous by exaggerated reports of its size : it is little larger than the Bearded Griffin, which its manners 
resemble. It inhabits the most elevated regions of the Andes, and flies higher than any other bird. 
The Gallinazos {Cathartes, Cuv.) — 
Have the beak of the Condors, that is to say, large, with longitudinal oval nostrils, but no fleshy crest : 
their head and neck are without feathers ; [plumage nearly or wholly black : the sternum emarginated 
inward of the ordinary foramen. All the species are from America.] 
The Great Gallinazo (F, californianus, Shaw), — approaches the large Condor in size, with proportionally longer 
wings. [From the western coast of North America.] 
The Turkey Buzzard of Anglo-Americans (F. Lin.)— Little larger than a fowl. [There appear to be 
others, hitherto imperfectly determined.] 
The Neophrons {Neophron, Cuv.) — 
Have a long and slender beak, rather tumid above its curvature ; the nostrils oval and longitudinal. 
• No species of bird has more than twelve tail-feathers (Including 
the uropygiah) till we arrive at the Poultry. Hence, the Alectura, 
mentioned in the preceding note, — which possesses eighteen, might 
in this character alone have been referred to its proper station. 
t It is proper to remark that the rigid cartilaginous crest of the 
male of this Condor offers no analogy, anatomically, with the flaccid 
caruncle of the other. — E d. 
