Black Vulture, (Catharista urubu).—These ill-favored but very useful birds are quite abundant, and even semi-domesticated, in some of our southern cities. This is due to the protection accorded them, because of their valuable services as scavengers. They are said to devour every particle of exposed organic refuse, and in a warm climate these services are of more value than we in the north can realize.
The Yellow-Headed Vulture, (Cathartes urobitinga), of northern South America, is a much handsomer bird than its two preceding relatives. It has much the same feeding habits, but is very rare and delicate in captivity.
The California Condor, (Gymnogyps californianus).—This is one of the rarest, and to all Americans the most interesting, bird of prey in the Park. The species is confined to a very small area in the rugged mountains of southern and lower California, and beyond all doubt, the skin-collecting ornithologists will exterminate it within the next twenty years, or less.
The Griffon Vulture, (Gyps pulvus), and the Kolbe Vulture, (G. kolbi), are Old World birds and although more closely related to the eagles than to the vultures of the New World, resemble the latter in general habits.
Differing strongly from its congeners in general appearance, is the Eared Vulture, (Otogyps auricularis). This rare bird is a native of North Africa, where it feeds on such carrion as it is able to find. Its bare, wrinkled head and neck and great bill give it a decidedly gruesome appearance.
The Red-Tailed Hawk, (Buteo borealis).—The “Hen Hawk,” or “Chicken Hawk,” is one of our commonest birds of prey. It hardly merits its common name, as its favorite food is mice and other small mammals. This is the hawk seen, in the fall of the year, going south in flocks, sometimes of one hundred or more.
One of the most splendid members of the collection is the Harpy Eagle, (Thrasaetus harpyia), of South America. The remarkably large legs and claws indicate the great strength which enables the bird to prey upon sloths, monkeys, and other fairly large animals.
KING VULTURE.
