Vultures are large scavenging birds known for their bald or sparsely feathered heads, which help maintain hygiene while feeding on carrion. Belonging to two distinct families—Old World (Accipitridae) and New World (Cathartidae)—they have broad wings adapted for soaring long distances to locate food. Their hooked beaks are designed for tearing flesh, and their keen senses, particularly eyesight and, in some species, smell, make them efficient cleaners of the environment.
Native to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, vultures inhabit diverse ecosystems, including savannas, grasslands, deserts, mountains, and rainforests. They prefer open landscapes or high altitudes for soaring, often nesting on cliffs, in trees, or in cavities. Their habitat range varies from arid regions to dense forests, with some species adapting to urban areas near human settlements.
Vultures primarily feed on carrion, consuming dead animals to prevent disease spread in ecosystems. Some species supplement their diet with fruits or small prey, and certain ones use unique behaviors like dropping bones to access marrow. Their digestive systems are highly acidic, neutralizing pathogens in decaying flesh, making them vital ecological sanitizers.
Their social behavior ranges from solitary to highly gregarious, with some forming large feeding groups at carcasses. Many nest in colonies, using cliffs or trees, and are monogamous, with both parents often sharing chick-rearing duties. Their flight patterns, often soaring in circles, are a key visual trait, with wing shapes varying by species.
Vultures face significant threats, including poisoning from pesticides or veterinary drugs, habitat loss, and electrocution on power lines. Many species are endangered or critically endangered, making conservation efforts critical. Their role in maintaining ecosystem health by removing carrion underscores their importance, yet they are often misunderstood or persecuted.
Old World Vulture Species (Accipitridae)
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
The Griffon Vulture is a large bird (95–110 cm, wingspan up to 2.8 m, 6–11 kg) identifiable by its pale, sandy-brown plumage, white ruff around the neck, and bald, greyish-white head. Its long, broad wings and short, squared tail create a distinctive silhouette, with wings held in a slight V-shape during soaring flight. Its hooked beak is strong for tearing carrion.
Native to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of West and Central Asia, it inhabits open landscapes like savannas, grasslands, and mountainous areas up to 3,000 m, nesting in colonies on cliffs. Its excellent eyesight allows it to spot carcasses from great distances.
White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
The White-Backed Vulture (78–98 cm, wingspan 1.9–2.3 m, 4–7 kg) is recognized by its dark brown plumage, contrasting white lower back (visible in flight), and bare, greyish head with a sparse white ruff. Its slender bill is suited for accessing soft carrion tissues.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, it thrives in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands, often roosting in tall trees. Critically endangered due to poisoning, notably diclofenac, and habitat loss, its social feeding behavior in large groups is a key trait.
Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli)
Rüppell’s Vulture (85–103 cm, wingspan 2.3–2.6 m, 6–9 kg) is distinguished by its mottled brown plumage, pale grey head, and short, white neck ruff. Its robust, hooked beak tears through tough hides, and its large wings enable soaring at extreme altitudes (up to 11.5 km).
Native to East and West Africa, from Senegal to Tanzania, it inhabits arid savannas, semi-deserts, and grasslands, nesting on cliffs or in trees. Critically endangered due to poisoning and habitat degradation, its high-altitude soaring and group scavenging are notable.
Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
The Hooded Vulture (62–72 cm, wingspan 1.6–1.8 m, 1.5–2.6 kg) is a smaller vulture identifiable by its dark brown plumage, bare pinkish head, and a distinctive “hood” of soft, downy feathers around the face. Its slender bill targets smaller carrion pieces.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, from Mauritania to South Africa, it inhabits savannas, woodlands, and urban areas, often near human settlements scavenging refuse. Critically endangered due to poisoning and persecution for traditional medicine, its adaptability to urban environments is distinctive.
Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
The Cape Vulture (96–115 cm, wingspan 2.3–2.6 m, 7–11 kg) is recognizable by its pale cream to buff plumage, black flight feathers, and bare, bluish-grey head with a sparse ruff. Its strong beak tears tough hides, and a bulging crop is visible when feeding.
Endemic to southern Africa, primarily South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique, it prefers mountainous regions, cliffs, and open savannas, nesting in large colonies on cliff faces. Endangered due to poisoning and electrocution, its cliff-nesting and powerful flight are key identifiers.
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
The Bearded Vulture, or Lammergeier (100–115 cm, wingspan 2.3–2.8 m, 4.5–7 kg), is unique for its feathered head, black “beard” of bristles under the bill, and rusty-orange underparts from iron-rich dust bathing. Its slender bill and long, wedge-shaped tail are distinctive.
Native to mountainous regions of Europe (Alps, Pyrenees), Africa (Ethiopia, South Africa), and Central Asia (Himalayas), it inhabits rocky terrains up to 4,500 m, dropping bones to access marrow. Near-threatened due to poisoning, its bone-eating diet is a hallmark.
Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
The Egyptian Vulture (58–70 cm, wingspan 1.5–1.7 m, 1.6–2.2 kg) is identifiable by its white plumage, black flight feathers, and bright yellow, wedge-shaped face with a slender, hooked bill. It uses stones to break ostrich eggs, a rare tool-using behavior.
Native to southern Europe, North Africa, and South and Central Asia, it inhabits deserts, savannas, grasslands, and rocky outcrops, nesting(On cliffs. Endangered due to poisoning and habitat loss, its small size and tool use make it unique.
White-Headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis)
The White-Headed Vulture (72–85 cm, wingspan 2–2.3 m, 3.3–5.4 kg) is identifiable by its striking white head and face (pinkish in females), contrasting black plumage, and white belly in males. Its triangular wings and short, squared tail are distinctive in flight, with a robust beak for tearing carrion.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to South Africa, it inhabits savannas, woodlands, and thorn scrub, nesting in solitary pairs on tree tops. Critically endangered due to poisoning and habitat loss, its solitary scavenging and vivid head coloration are notable traits.
Lappet-Faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos)
The Lappet-Faced Vulture (78–100 cm, wingspan 2.5–2.9 m, 5.4–9.4 kg) is recognized by its massive size, dark brown plumage, and bare, reddish-pink head with loose, fleshy lappets (skin folds) around the face. Its powerful beak tears tough hides, and its broad wings enable long-distance soaring.
Native to Africa, from Mauritania to Ethiopia and south to Namibia, it prefers arid savannas, deserts, and open woodlands, nesting in trees. Endangered due to poisoning and habitat degradation, its dominant behavior at carcasses and facial lappets are key identifiers.
Slender-Billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)
The Slender-Billed Vulture (80–95 cm, wingspan 2–2.5 m, 4–6 kg) is distinguished by its dark brown plumage, bare greyish head, and long, slender bill suited for picking soft tissues from carcasses. Its narrow head and sparse neck ruff are visible in flight.
Native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, and Myanmar, it inhabits open grasslands, savannas, and forest edges up to 2,000 m, nesting in trees. Critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning, its slender bill and preference for softer carrion are unique.
Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus)
The Indian Vulture (81–103 cm, wingspan 2.2–2.5 m, 5.5–6.3 kg) is identifiable by its pale brown plumage, bare greyish-yellow head, and short, white neck ruff. Its broad wings and short tail create a soaring silhouette.
Native to the Indian subcontinent, primarily India, Pakistan, and Nepal, it inhabits open plains, savannas, and areas near human settlements, nesting in trees or on cliffs. Critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning, its reliance on cattle carcasses and rapid population decline are distinctive.
Palm-Nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis)
The Palm-Nut Vulture (60 cm, wingspan 1.3–1.5 m, 1.2–1.8 kg) is a small vulture with mostly white plumage, black wingtips, and a bare pinkish face with a short, hooked bill. Unlike most vultures, it eats palm fruits, fish, and carrion.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, from Gambia to Kenya and south to South Africa, it inhabits rainforests, swamp forests, and coastal palm groves, nesting in trees. Near-threatened, its frugivorous diet and adaptability to coastal habitats set it apart.
White-Rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)
The White-Rumped Vulture (75–85 cm, wingspan 1.9–2.3 m, 3.5–6 kg) is recognized by its dark brown plumage, white rump patch (visible in flight), and bare, greyish head with a short ruff. Its slender beak targets soft carrion tissues.
Native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, it inhabits grasslands, open forests, and village outskirts, nesting in tree colonies. Critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning, its small size and rapid scavenging are notable.
Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)
The Red-Headed Vulture (76–86 cm, wingspan 1.9–2.3 m, 3.5–5.4 kg) is distinguished by its bare, deep red to orange head, black plumage, and pale grey band at the base of its flight feathers. Its wattled neck and dark bill are notable.
Native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, it inhabits open forests, grasslands, and areas near human settlements up to 2,000 m, nesting in trees. Critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning, its striking red head and solitary habits are key traits.
Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayensis)
The Himalayan Vulture (103–115 cm, wingspan 2.6–3.1 m, 8–12 kg) is a massive bird with pale, sandy-brown plumage, a downy white head, and a fluffy white ruff. Its pale bill and dark flight feathers contrast in flight.
Native to the Himalayas and surrounding areas (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Central Asia), it inhabits high-altitude mountains up to 5,500 m, nesting on cliffs. Near-threatened due to poisoning, its ability to soar in thin air and large size are distinctive.
New World Vulture Species (Cathartidae)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
The Turkey Vulture (62–81 cm, wingspan 1.7–2 m, 0.8–2.3 kg) is identifiable by its dark brown plumage, bare red head (grey in juveniles), and pale bill. Its wings form a shallow V-shape in flight with a two-toned pattern (paler trailing edges), and it teeters while soaring.
Native to the Americas, from southern Canada to South America, it inhabits forests, deserts, grasslands, and suburbs, roosting on trees or structures. Its exceptional sense of smell for carrion and widespread range are notable.
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
The Black Vulture (56–74 cm, wingspan 1.3–1.7 m, 1.2–1.9 kg) is recognized by its sooty black plumage, bare black head, and white “stars” under wingtips in flight. Its short tail and flat wing posture contrast with the Turkey Vulture’s V-shaped flight. Native to North, Central, and South America, it inhabits open areas, forests, and urban zones, often near roads or dumps. Its aggressive scavenging and reliance on sight rather than smell are distinctive.
California Condor (Gymnogyps californianus)
The California Condor (109–140 cm, wingspan 2.5–3 m, 7–14 kg) is the largest North American vulture, identifiable by its black plumage, white patches under the wings, and bald, greyish head that changes color (pink to grey) based on mood. Its massive wings and heavy beak suit soaring and tearing carrion.
Native to the Pacific coast of North America, primarily California, Arizona, and Baja California, it inhabits rugged mountains and canyons, nesting in caves or cliffs. Critically endangered, its recovery through captive breeding is a key trait.
Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus)
The Andean Condor (100–130 cm, wingspan 2.7–3.2 m, 8–15 kg) is a massive vulture with black plumage, a white neck ruff, and a bald head (grey in males, pinkish in females). Males have a fleshy comb and wattled neck. Its broad wings enable high-altitude soaring.
Native to South America, along the Andes from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego, it inhabits mountains, grasslands, and coastal cliffs up to 5,000 m, nesting on rocky ledges. Near-threatened due to poisoning, its enormous wingspan is iconic.
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
The King Vulture (67–81 cm, wingspan 1.7–2 m, 3–4.5 kg) is striking with its white plumage, black flight feathers, and multicolored head (red, orange, yellow, blue) with wattled skin. Its robust beak and piercing eyes add to its regal look.
Native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina, it inhabits lowland rainforests, savannas, and forest edges, nesting in tree cavities or on the ground. Near-threatened, its dominant behavior at carcasses is distinctive.
Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)
The Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture (53–65 cm, wingspan 1.5–1.7 m, 0.9–1.6 kg) is identifiable by its black plumage, bright yellow head (brighter during feeding), and pale bill. Its broad wings show a two-toned pattern, and it teeters in flight.
Native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Argentina, it inhabits wetlands, marshes, and savannas, often near water, roosting in trees. Its keen sense of smell and preference for wet habitats set it apart.
Greater Yellow-Headed Vulture (Cathartes melambrotus)
The Greater Yellow-Headed Vulture (64–75 cm, wingspan 1.7–1.9 m, 1.2–2 kg) is similar to its lesser counterpart but larger, with black plumage, a vivid yellow-orange head, and a greyish bill. Its V-shaped flight posture is notable.
Native to South America, primarily the Amazon Basin (Brazil, Colombia, Peru), it inhabits dense tropical rainforests and forest edges, roosting in tall trees. Its reliance on forest carrion and strong olfactory sense are key identifiers.