The GALLINAZO (_Coragyps atratus_), as the second species is called,
possesses a rather longer and thinner beak, comparatively high tarsi,
and a shorter tail, which is straight at its extremity. The bare head
and fore part of the throat are dark grey, deepening in some parts into
black; the body, wings, and tail are pale black, shaded with reddish
brown. The wing-feathers are white at their origin, the eyes dark brown,
the beak blackish brown, whitish at the tip. The top of the head, from
the base of the upper mandible to the nape, is covered with a regular
succession of folds of skin, placed one behind the other. The length
of this bird is twenty-three, its breadth fifty-two inches; the wing
measures fifteen, and the tail about seven inches.
[Illustration: THE URUBU (_Cathartes aura_).]
Both the Urubu and Gallinazo are found in large numbers throughout the
whole of the American continent, and both appear to avoid the summits
of mountain ranges. The Urubu lives for the most part in the vicinity
of the coast; whilst the Gallinazo, on the contrary, frequents the
towns and villages, occasionally, but rarely, appearing in mountainous
districts. So highly do the Americans value the services rendered by
these Vultures, that in some districts it is considered a punishable
offence to kill them. Wilson tells us that "the Turkey Buzzards are
gregarious, peaceable, and harmless, never offering any violence to any
living animal, or, like the plunderers of the Falco tribe, depriving
the husbandman of his stock. Hence, though in consequence of their
filthy habits they are not beloved, yet they are respected for their
usefulness; and in the Southern States, where they are most needed, they,
as well as the Black Vultures, are protected by a law which imposes a
fine on those who wilfully deprive them of life. They generally roost in
flocks, on the limbs of large trees; and they may be seen on a summer
morning spreading out their wings to the rising sun, and remaining in
that posture for a considerable time. Pennant conjectures that this is
'to purify their bodies, which are most offensively fetid.' But is it
reasonable to suppose that _that_ effluvia can be offensive to them
which arises from food perfectly adapted to their nature, and which is
constantly the object of their desires? Many birds, and particularly
those of the granivorous kind, have a similar habit, which doubtless
is attended with the same exhilarating effects as an exposure to the
pure air of the morning has on the frame of one just risen from repose.
These birds, unless when rising from the earth, seldom flap their wings,
but sweep along in ogees, and dipping and rising lines, and move with
great rapidity. They are often seen in companies, soaring at an immense
height, particularly previous to a thunder-storm. Their wings are not
spread horizontally, but form with the body a slight angle upwards, the
tips having an upward curve. Their sense of smelling is astonishingly
exquisite, and they never fail to discover carrion, even when at the
distance of several miles from it. When once they have found a carcase,
if not molested, they will not leave the place until the whole is
devoured. At such times they eat so immoderately, that frequently they
are incapable of rising, and may be caught without much difficulty; but
few that are acquainted with them will have the temerity to undertake the
task. A man in the State of Delaware, a few years since, observing some
Turkey Buzzards regaling themselves upon the carcase of a horse which
was in a highly putrid state, conceived the design of making a captive
of one, to take home for the amusement of his children. He cautiously
approached, and springing upon the unsuspicious group, grasped a fine
plump fellow in his arms, and was bearing off his prize in triumph;
when, lo! the indignant Vulture disgorged such a torrent of filth in the
face of our hero, that it produced all the effects of the most powerful
emetic, and for ever cured him of his inclination for Turkey Buzzards."
On the continent of America, this species inhabits a vast range of
territory, being common, it is said, from Nova Scotia to Terra del Fuego.
How far to the northward of North California they are found, we are
not informed, but it is probable that they extend their migrations to
the Columbia, allured thither by the quantity of dead salmon which, at
certain seasons, cover the shores of that river.
Mr. Darwin, who observed this bird in New Jersey, states "that the Turkey
Buzzard is a solitary bird, or at most goes in pairs. It may at once be
recognised from a long distance by its lofty, soaring, and most elegant
flight. It is well known to be a true carrion feeder. On the west coast
of Patagonia, among the thickly wooded islets and broken land, it lives
exclusively on what the sea throws up, and on the carcases of dead seals;
and wherever these animals are congregated on the rocks, there the
Vultures may be seen."
The Gallinazoes are extremely active; they fly lightly, and can rise
with ease to a considerable height in the air; when perched they usually
draw their head down between their shoulders, and allow their plumage
to hang loosely about their bodies; but when upon the ground they hold
themselves erect, and walk with very much the same air as a Turkey-cock.
We learn from Audubon, who made a variety of experiments on this subject
(see Introductory Chapter), that these Vultures discover their food by
sight alone, and are almost or entirely without the sense of smell.
Many writers have maintained that they subsist altogether upon garbage
and carrion, but both Audubon and Humboldt concur in the statement
that they will occasionally kill their own prey. The latter describes
the manner in which they seize young crocodiles, about seven or eight
inches in length, either upon the land or in shallow water; and tells
us that the small reptile endeavours to confront its foe by rising on
its fore-feet, stretching up its head, and literally grinning defiance
through its long sharp teeth. It not unfrequently happens that, while
thus engaged in keeping one of its feathered enemies at bay, the spirited
little creature is snapped up by an Urubu, who has come up quietly
and unobserved to watch the encounter. Large numbers of eggs are also
devoured by the American Vultures, who frequently build their eyries in
the immediate vicinity of the nests of Wading or Swimming Birds for the
express purpose of thus obtaining a constant supply of food for their
young. Most naturalists are now agreed that both the Gallinazo and Urubu
lay their eggs in clefts of the rock, holes in the ground, or in hollow
trees, as such spots afford the best protection against the inclemency
of the weather. In Texas and Mexico they usually select a hillock near
marshy ground, and merely scratch a hole beneath a bush wherein to lay
the two eggs of which a brood consists. Both parents sit alternately for
thirty-two days, and feed each other from the crop during that period.
These birds are easily tamed, and when in a state of domesticity exhibit
towards their master all the fidelity of a dog.
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