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A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE CONDOR. (Vultur Gryphus.) 
THIS bird measures three or four feet long, and its wings, 
when expanded, from ten to twelve feet. Its bill and 
talons are exceedingly large and strong ; and its courage 
is equal to its strength. The throat is naked, and of a 
red colour. The upper parts in some individuals (for they 
differ greatly in colour) are variegated with black, grey, 
and white ; and the body is scarlet. Round the neck it 
has a white ruff of loose hairy feathers. The feathers on 
the back are generally quite black, and perfectly bright. 
These enormous birds, which are inhabitants of South 
America, breed among the highest and most inacces- 
sible rocks. The female makes no nest, but lays two 
white eggs, somewhat bigger than those of a turkey, on 
the bare rock. Some writers have affirmed that a Condor 
can carry off a sheep in its claws, and others, that it has 
