[Illustration: 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.