VULCAN

the Roman god of fire, identified with the Gk. god Hepheestus. BER. large day-fiying birds of prey (Accipitrines), with the crown of the head and often the neck bare and destitute of true feathers. An exception is the large bearded vulture of Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), with well-feathered head, found in the mountains in S. Europe and Asia, where it feeds mainly on carrion. The true vultures (Vultur, Neophron, Gyps) are confined to the warm regions of the Old World, four species occurring in 8S. Europe. On account of their appearance and their habit of feeding on garbage and carrion, on which they gorge to repletion, they are the most repulsive of birds of prey. The family includes also the turkey buzzard, found in various parts of the United States.