214 
Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the 
253. Gyparchus papa (Linn.). (N. A.) 
It is only on the coast-regions that the King Vulture is found; 
it does not extend its range into the central district. In the 
above localities it is frequently to he observed either soaring high 
in the air, and wheeling in circles during the heat of the day, or 
presiding over a putrid carcase, and driving off any presump¬ 
tuous Black Vulture that may venture to approach within pre¬ 
scribed limits. Having eaten his fill, he sits in a tree hard by 
the carcase, sleeping and digesting his meal, while his late 
attendants fight and scramble for each disgusting morsel. The 
Spanish term for this bird is “ el Bey Zopilote,” exactly answer¬ 
ing to our King Vulture. 
Fam. II. FALCONIDiE. 
Subfam. Polyborinas. 
254. Polyborus THARUs (Molina) : Baird's Report, p. 45. 
(N. A.) 
This bird is universal in its distribution throughout the 
country, and appears equally abundant everywhere. At Duenas 
it is a constant resident, and breeds in the surrounding hills. 
The food of this species consists principally of the ticks of 
animals. 
255. Ibycter americanus (Bodd.): PI. Enl. 417: Falco 
aquilinus, Gm. 
In the Pacific coast-region this bird is found; and its extra¬ 
ordinary cry, well expressed by the word ‘ cacao / uttered with 
the first syllable reiterated several times, may not unfrequently 
be heard resounding through the dense tropical forest. It would 
appear to be confined to this region, since no examples have been 
as yet forwarded to this country through the instrumentality of 
Mr. Skinner or other hands. The species may be generally 
observed in pairs, seldom singly; but sometimes several occur 
together. The cry is made by the bird when sitting on a branch; 
and the tail is expanded with a jerk, on the utterance of each 
note. 
