BLACK VULTURE. 
275 
though very improperly, by that of Ravens. There are two very 
diflFerent species of these birds ; the one, the Zopilot, properly so 
called, the other called the Cozcaquauhtli : they are both bigger 
than the Raven. These two species resemble each other in their 
hooked bill and crooked claws, and by having upon their head, in- 
stead of feathers, a wi'inkled membrane with some curling hairs. 
They fly so high, that although they are pretty large, they are lost 
to the sight; and especially before a hail storm they will be seen 
wheeling, in vast numbers, under the loftiest clouds, till they en- 
tirely disappear. They feed upon carrion, which they discover by 
the acuteness of their sight and smell, from the gi’eatest height, and 
descend upon it with a majestic flight, in a great spiral course. 
They are both almost mute. The two species are distinguished, 
however, by their size, their colour, their numbers, and some other 
peculiarities. The Zopilots, properly so called, have black fea- 
thers, with a brown head, bill, and feet ; they go often in flocks, 
and roost together upon trees. This species is very numerous, and 
is to be found in all the difierent climates ; while on the contrary, 
the Cozcaquauhtli is far from numerous, and is peculiar to the 
warmer climates alone.* The latter bird is larger than the Zopi- 
lot, has a red head and feet, with a beak of a deep red colour, ex- 
cept towards its extremity, which is white. Its feathers are brown, 
except upon the neck and parts about the breast, which are of a 
reddish black. The wings are of an ash colour upon the inside, 
and upon the outside are variegated with black and tawny. 
“ The Cozcaquauhtli is called by the Mexicans, king of the 
Zopilots ;f and they say, that when these two species happen to 
meet together about the same carrion, the Zopilot hever begins to 
eat till the Cozcaquauhtli has tasted it. The Zopilot is a most 
useful bird to that country, for they not only clear the fields, but 
* This is a mistake. 
t This is the Vultur aura. The bird which now goes by the name of King of the Zopi- 
lots, in New Spain, is the Vultur papa of Linn^us. 
