BLACK VULTURE. 
237 
mon as the domestic poultry, and equally familiar. The in- 
habitants generally are disgusted with their filthy, voracious 
habits ; but notwithstanding, being viewed as contributive to 
the removal of the dead animal matter, which, if permitted to 
putrify during the hot season, would render the atmosphere im- 
pure, they have a respect paid them as scavengers, whose labours 
are subservient to the public good. It sometimes happens, 
that, after having gorged themselves, these birds vomit down 
the chimneys, which must be intolerably disgusting, and must 
provoke the ill-will of those whose hospitality is thus requited. 
The black vultures are indolent, and may be observed in 
companies loitering for hours together in one place. They do . 
not associate with the turkey buzzards ; and are much darker 
in their plumage than the latter. Their mode of flight also 
varies from that of the turkey buzzard. The black vulture 
flaps its wings five or six times rapidly, then sails with them 
extended nearly horizontally ; the turkey buzzard seldom flaps 
its wings, and, when sailing, they form an angle with the body 
upwards. The latter, though found in the vicinity of towns, 
rarely ventures within them, and then always appearing cautious 
of the near approach of any one. It is not so impatient of cold 
as the former, and is likewise less lazy. The black vulture, on 
the ground, hops along very awkwardly ; the turkey buzzard, 
though seemingly inactive, moves with an even gait. The 
latter, unless pressed by hunger, will not eat of a carcass until 
it becomes putrid ; the former is not so fastidious, but devours 
animal food without distinction. 
It is said that the black vultures sometimes attack young 
pigs, and eat off their ears and tails ; and we have even heard 
stories of their assaulting feeble calves, and picking out their 
eyes. But these instances are rare : if otherwise, they would 
not receive that countenance or protection which is so univer- 
sally extended to them, in the States of South Carolina and 
Georgia, where they abound. 
This undescribed species,” says Mr Bartram, is a native 
of the maritime parts of Georgia and of the Floridas, where 
2 
