12 
THE CONDOR. 
of reddish-brown, which is variable in depth in different individuals. In the earlier stages 
of its existence, the Lammergeyer is of a much darker hue, and the white dashes upon the 
back are not so purely white nor so clearly defined. The head and neck are dark-brown, and 
the brown hue of the back is of so deep a tint that the young bird has been classed as a 
separate species, under the title of Vultur niger, or Black Vulture. 
Like the true V ultures, the Lammergeyer is invaluable as a scavenger, and if an animal be 
killed and left exposed to view, the bird is sure to find out the spot in a very short time, and 
to make its appearance as if called by some magic spell from the empty air. But as there is 
not a sufficiency of dead animals for the food of this hungry and powerful bird, it makes prey 
of lambs, kids, hares, and such like animals, nor disdains to feed even on rats, mice, and other 
small quadrupeds. With the larger animals, such as the chamois, the Lammergeyer cannot 
successfully cope on level ground, but taking advantage of its wings, it hurls itself suddenly 
against some devoted animal which is standing heedlessly near a precipice, and by the force of 
its blow strikes the poor creature into the depths below, whither it is immediately followed by 
its destroyer. Even mankind is said to be endangered by these sudden attacks of a hungry 
Lammergeyer, and more than one chamois -hunter is reported as having been killed by an 
assault from one of these birds. 
The Lamb-vulture, as is the import of its name, does not restrict itself solely to the 
snowy mountains on which it takes up its chief residence, but often makes considerable 
journeys into the cultivated portion of the country, for the sake of picking up the lambs and 
other valley-inhabiting animals. 
The general aspect of the Lammergeyer is more like that of an eagle than a Vulture, 
but its carriage and demeanor are devoid of that fearless, regal grandeur which is so char- 
acteristic of the eagles of all lands. When flying, however, its appearance is truly 
magnificent, and on account of its great sweep of wing and powerful flight, the size of the 
Lammergeyer has been greatly exaggerated. Indeed, it is probable that the celebrated roc, 
which plays so important a part in the adventures of Sindbad the Sailor, and in other por- 
tions of the Arabian Nights, is merely the Lammergeyer, viewed through the magnifying 
medium of Oriental exaggeration. 
The Family of Vultures ( Cathartidce ) embraces four species in North America. Two 
distinct families are recognized among the birds of the world. The Old World Vultures 
form the second family. In South America is found the great typical bird of the race, 
the Condor. The Vultures of the Old World are regarded as being nearer the falcons in 
structure than those of the other family ; they also have somewhat similar habits. They 
lack the courage and strength of the falcons, and rarely attack anything capable of vigorous 
resistance. 
The Vultures are naturally carrion-feeders. Their feet, though large, are not adapted to 
clasp and hold with the vise-like grip of the other birds of prey. Their heads and a good 
portion of their necks are bare of feathers. It is reasonable to assume that this is a wise pro- 
vision of nature ; as such parts are certainly kept more cleanly than would be the case if the 
parts were feathered. 
Vultures are not naturally gregarious, but when a carcase is scented multitudes of them 
are seen gathering from every point. Some species, however, breed in communities. Vultures 
have no voice, excepting when disturbed, then they emit a hissing sound. 
This family is tropical in habitat , though some species range somewhat beyond ; as in the 
case of the California and Turkey Vultures. 
Oh account of a curious fleshy appendage which decorates the base of the bill and the 
neighboring portions of the head, a small group of Vultures has been separated from the 
remaining species, and gathered into a family under the appropriate title of Sarcorhamphidse, 
or Flesh-beaked Vulture. This family is but a small one, comprising the Cohdor, the King 
Vulture, and the well-known American Vultures, or Zopilotes. 
Although not exceeding the Lammergeyer in dimensions, the Condor has been long 
