THE 
BOOK OF BIRDS. 
THE CONDOR, {Sarcoramphm gryphus.') 
The first order of birds, Raptor es, includes Vultures, 
Falcons, and Owls. They are distinguished by a strong 
curved bill, fitted for tearing flesh, having on each side 
towards the end a projection, like a tooth; the base is fre- 
quently covered with a naked membrane, called a cere; 
the legs are short, and the claws sharp-pointed and con- 
siderably curved. It is a remarkable fact that the females 
of birds of prey, unlike those of the other orders, are rather 
larger and more powerful than the males. 
The Vultures generally have no feathers on the head and 
upper- part of the neck, a peculiarity which enables them 
to feed more easily on carrion, which is their favourite 
food. Of these the most remarkable is the Condor. Mr. 
Nuttall says that the Condor derives its name from an 
Indian word which alludes to its supposed sagacious scent, 
