BUZZARDS.
The Buzzards have long wings and a large head. They do not chase their prey when it is on the wing, but hide themselves, where they wait until a victim passes within reach. When thus occupied they will sometimes remain for several hours perfectly quiet, looking so sleepy and inactive that their stupidity has become proverbial. This stupid look is partly due to the weakness of their eyes, which are affected by strong light.
They generally build their nests in the loftiest trees, and occasionally in thickets of brushwood among the rocks. When frost comes they visit farm yards and steal poultry, and when pressed by hunger they become very bold.
THE VULTURE FAMILY.
Vulture and Griffin Fighting over Prey.
The Vultures are the most disgusting of the feathered creation. Like the Hyena among animals, they rarely attack living prey, but live almost entirely upon putrid flesh, and after filling themselves with this food they will remain in a state of stupid torpor until it is digested. Yet much as we despise them, we must recognize their friendly mission to mankind, for while the other Birds of Prey are often of use to the farmers, etc., in killing off the field and barn Mice, and destructive insects, the Vultures remove all decaying flesh and putrid matter from the earth that might otherwise breed disease.
The Vultures fly heavily, but mount aloft to great altitudes. They have wonderful powers of vision. Should a carcass be left on the plain they immediately see it, and drop down, turning over and over in their hurry to arrive at the feast.
The Bearded Griffon, Condor, King Vulture, Urubu, Turkey Buzzard, Fulvous Vulture and Pondicherry Vulture, are the principal species of the great Vulture family.