Page:The Common Birds of Bombay.djvu/25

 CHAPTER II.

THE VULTURES

F the city of Bombay had a tutelary bird, there is no manner of doubt what bird that should be. I do not know why the ancient Egyptians deified the Ibis, but if Bombay bore the proud figure of a Vulture

rampant on her shield, everybody would know why. Of all the unsalaried public servants who have identified themselves with this city and devoted their energies to its welfare, no other can take a place beside the vulture. Unfortunately the vulture has never lent itself to the spirit of heraldry. The eagle has, strangely enough, though the difference between