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. [Illustration: KING VULTURE.] [Illustration: BLACK VULTURE.] The Lammergeyer or Bearded Vulture, (_Gypaetus barbatus_), is now probably extinct in Europe, but is still found in parts of Asia. It feeds largely on lambs. A nearly cosmopolitan bird is the Golden Eagle, (_Aquila chrysaetos_). It is equally at home in the highlands of Scotland and the mountains of North America, nesting on the highest cliffs. The Bateleur Eagle, of Africa, (_Helotarsus ecaudatus_), has narrowly missed the distinction of being the most beautiful of all birds of prey. Its plumage is charmingly colored but it is out of proportion. Its tail is so absurdly short that its wings quite conceal it, and make it appear as if altogether tailless. [Illustration: HARPY EAGLE.] [Illustration: GRIFFON VULTURE.] Bald Eagle, (_Haliaëtus leucocephalus_).—The appearance of the adult Bald Eagle, our National emblem, with its conspicuous white head and tail, is familiar to all; but the immature birds, as shown by several of the specimens, lack the white in their plumage. These birds are found usually near water, and their food is chiefly fish. These they sometimes catch for themselves, but if ospreys are found in the vicinity, they are watched by the eagles, and often robbed of their hard-earned prey.