Old World Vultures (subfamily Vulturince)

To all intents and purposes the Old World Vultures are similar in appearance and habits to their relatives in the New World, and all were at one time united in a single group, but as already pointed out, they are essentially different in structure, having imperforate nostrils and the hind toe on the same level as the front ones, as in typical members of the group. They are large birds, with strong feet, rather blunt claws, and featherless head and neck, and all feed to a greater or less extent on carrion. They are disposed in seven genera and about seventeen species, but as it will not be possible to fully describe them all, a few of the more striking and interesting forms may be selected and briefest mention made of a few others.