367 
THE RED SEA HILLS 
the head-skin. Soon an assemblage of carnivorous birds 
(quite unusual in this region) attracted our interest. To 
this fact, indeed, is due the insertion in our narrative 
of what would otherwise have been but an everyday 
incident. First to appear were a pair of eagles, con¬ 
spicuous by their double-banded wings and striking form 
of tail. These, however, we at once recognised as tawny 
eagles (Aquila raftax ), in one of the many-varying 
Among the Crags by Sarrowit. 
phases peculiar to that species. They soared around 
and departed without alighting. Next came two or 
three of the huge and repulsive Nubian vultures (Otogyfis 
nubicus ), which we also recognised (having shot them on 
Blue Nile) by their downy white undersides; these vul¬ 
tures are practically featherless beneath, save that long i 
dark shafts protrude naked through the fluff. ^ 
With them, however, arrived two other giant brutes, 
similar as regards the last-named feature, but dark— 
practically black in plumage, contrasting with the washed- 
