TURKEY VULTURE. 
229 
large rivers and the ocean, which afford a supply of food at all 
seasons. 
In New Jersey, * the turkey buzzard hatches in May, the 
deep recesses of the solitary swamps of that state affording si- 
tuations well suited to the purpose. The female is at no pains 
to form a nest with materials ; but, having chosen a suitable 
place, which is either a truncated hollow tree, an excavated 
stump, or log, she lays on the rotten wood from two to four 
eggs, of a dull dirty white, or pale cream colour, splashed all 
over with chocolate, mingled with blackish touches, the blotches 
largest and thickest towards the great end ; the form something 
like the egg of a goose j but blunter at the small end ; length, 
two inches and three quarters, breadth two inches. The male 
watches often while the female is sitting ; and, if not disturb- 
ed, they will occupy the same breeding place for several 
years. The young are clothed with a whitish down, similar 
to that which covers young goslings. If any person approach 
the nest, and attempt to handle them, they will immediately 
vomit such offensive matter, as to compel the intruder to a pre- 
cipitate retreat. 
The turkey buzzards are gregarious, peaceable and harm- 
less, never offering any violence to a living animal, or, like the 
plunderers of the Falco tribe, depriving the husbandman of his 
stock. Hence, though, in consequence of their filthy habits, 
they are not beloved, yet they are respected for their useful- 
ness ; and in the Southern States, where they are most needed, 
they, as well as the black vultures, are protected by a law which 
imposes a fine on those who wilfully deprive them of life. They 
generally roost in flocks, on the limbs of large trees ; and they 
may be seen on a summer morning, spreading out their wings 
to the rising sun, and remaining in that posture for a consider- 
* Mr Ord mentions New Jersey in particular, as in that state he has visited 
the breeding places of the turkey buzzard, and can therefore speak with cer- 
tainty of the fact. Pennsylvania, it is more than probable, affords situations 
equally attractive, which are also tenanted by this vulture, for hatching and 
rearing its young. 
