Limericks, Rated G

Vultures

Back when restrictions were few,
Vultures on the savannah flew
Fully laden with meat,
But they no longer eat
More carrion items than two.

According to Wikipedia, the lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos), also known as the Nubian vulture, is an Old World raptor in the same taxonomic order as eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is an aggressive species that scavenges the carcasses of other animals. As far as birds go, it is also quite large and intimidating, on average around 9.2 kg (20 lb) in weight. A crop full of meat can weigh up to 1.5 kg (3.3 lb). Carrion, the decaying flesh of a dead animal, is a near-enough homonym for carry-on, the baggage a passenger takes onto a plane and stores in the overhead bin. Technically, most airlines allow up to two items—a carry-on and a personal item, such as a purse—but the dimensions and maximum weight are restricted.

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