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The King Vulture.
(Cathartes papa.)
The King-Condor or Vulture is found in the tropical forest regions of America. Its method of hunting is to soar alone high in the air, and poised apparently on steady wings, motionless, to scan the plain below for dead or dying animals. When it spies a probable meal it descends, followed by other Vultures within sight, whose movements attract yet others, until a considerable number have gathered to share the feast. All Vultures have bare heads, and as they live on flesh their beaks are hooked. The skin of the King-Vulture's head is brightly coloured, and as an additional attraction it bears curious wattles on the front of its head.