NEOPHRON GINGINIANUS. 
breast and abdomen brownish, the feathers tipped with fulvous ; under tail-coverts fulvous ; under wing brown, 
with fulvous tippings along the edge. 
With age the whole of the upper surface pales, the median wing-coverts remaining darker than the rest of the wing 
and the back ; the sides of the neck likewise remain dark, while the rest of the under surface becomes “ light 
brownish ; ’ the upper tail-coverts are paler than the rump during the transition stage. Examples, however, vary 
in their mode of acquiring the adult plumage, the back of the neck in some being quite blackish, while the back 
and wing-coverts are almost white. 
Obs. This species is distinguished by Mr. Sharpe, in his ‘ Catalogue of Birds,’ from that common to Egypt and the 
countries surrounding the Mediterranean and Red Seas, on account of its smaller size and yellow bill. Mr. Hume, 
however, is unable as yet to determine whether there is any constant difference in size or colour of bill to be 
depended on. He remarks (Str. Peath. i. p. 151) that he has “ procured and measured numerous specimens in 
many different parts of India, both of black- and yellow-billed birds, and with and without more or less of slender 
white feathers on the throat,” and that he is unable to detect any marked distinction as regards size in the two. 
When a very large series from different localities can be got together, this point may perhaps be satisfactorily 
determined. 
Distribution. The Scavenger-Vulture of India can only take its place in the avifauna of Ceylon as the 
veriest straggler. An immature example made its appearance at Nuwara Elliya in March 1874, and was shot 
by Mr. Grinlinton, of the P. W. Department, while roaming about the bazaar in search of food. Its occurrence 
at that season of the year in the highlands of Ceylon proves it to have been driven to the south bv the north- 
east monsoon, a wind which often brings Indian Raptores, not usually found in such low latitudes, to the island. 
It is therefore not improbable that, under similar circumstances, it may again find its way to Ceylon. 
On the continent the White Scavenger- Vulture, if it be considered distinct from the Egyptian bird is. 
according to Jcrdon, “ abundant throughout the greater part of India, being more rare in Central and Northern 
India, and unknown in lower Bengal.” Subsequent observers record it as being numerous in stated localities, 
such as the Nilghiris, Northern Guzerat, in Sindh, Raj pootana, Khandala, and even in the subsidiary ranges 
of the Himalayas, where, according to Mr. Hume, it breeds up to 8500 feet. Mr. Brooks, in a paper on the 
birds of the Suliman hills, in f Stray Feathers/ 1876, remarks that he found it more abundant in that locality 
than anywhere in India, owing probably to the fact of there being no other Vultures there to dispute the 
territory with it and rob it of its easily-earned and noxious food. 
Habits . — This Vulture, which, from its unclean propensities, is perhaps the least interesting of its family, 
is nevertheless an important support to the somewhat deficient sanitary customs which usually obtain about 
native villages and bazaars in India. By reason of its weak bill, it is unable to tear the flesh of carrion in 
company with other Vultures, of which it, moreover, is said to stand in considerable fear, and it therefore subsists 
by devouring all sorts of offal and other disgusting substances. 
It is a denizen of most towns and villages in India, and, in common with the Grey Crow, displays an utter 
fearlessness of man, frequenting the dirtiest native quarters, or hovering round the abattoirs, where it appeases 
its ravenous appetite on the refuse thrown out during the night. It does not, however, confine itself to the 
vicinity of human habitations, being often found about open country, both flat and hilly, and likewise on the 
borders of such large sheets of water as the Sambhur lake, &c. 
Like its near ally, the Egyptian Vulture, which I have seen easily advancing with almost motionless 
wings against a strong wind, this species has considerable powers of flight. Its usual mode of progression 
is with heavy and rather measured flappings of the wing ; but when collected in flocks near some tempting 
spot it soars to a considerable height, and takes a quiet survey of the ground beneath it. It passes much of 
its time on the ground after feeding, and stands with an erect deportment. Jerdon remarks that it walks with 
ease, lifting its legs very high. 
Nidification . — The spots chosen by this bird to nest in are the tops of walls, buildings, temples, &c., and 
in the upper branches of large trees in the vicinity of houses. The nests are described by various writers as 
untidy, rather loosely-put-together structures of sticks and large twigs, with but a slight depression in the 
centre, which is lined with rags, pieces of cloth, wool, and the many suitable substances to be found about 
B 2 
