THE EGYPTIAN VULTURE, OR GIER-EAGLE.
The Râchâm or Gier-Eagle identified with the Egyptian Vulture—Its appearance on the Egyptian monuments—Signification of the word Râchâm—Various translations of the word—The shape, size, and colour of the bird—Its value as a scavenger, and its general habits—The Egyptian Vultures and the griffons—Its fondness for the society of man—Nest of the Egyptian Vulture[ 339]
THE GRIFFON VULTURE, OR EAGLE OF SCRIPTURE.
The Griffon Vulture identified with the Eagle of Scripture—The word Nesher and its signification—Geographical range of the Griffon—Its mode of flight and sociable habits—The featherless head and neck of the bird—The Vulture used as an image of strength, swiftness, and rapacity—Its powers of sight—How Vultures assemble round a carcase—Nesting-places of the Griffon—Mr. Tristram's description of the Griffon—Rock caves of the Wady Hamâm—Care of the young, and teaching them to fly—Strength of the Griffon—Its emblematical use in Egypt and Assyria—The god Nisroch—Noble aspect of the Griffon—Its longevity—Various attitudes assumed by the bird[ 344]
THE EAGLE.
Signification of the word Asniych—The Golden Eagle and its habits—The Imperial Eagle—Its solitary mode of life—The Short-toed Eagle common in Palestine—Its zoological position—Food of the Short-toed Eagle—Its form and colour[ 354]
THE OSPREY.
The Osprey, or Fishing Eagle—Its geographical range—Mode of securing prey—Structure of its feet—Its power of balancing itself in the air[ 356]
THE KITE, OR VULTURE OF SCRIPTURE.