White-Headed Vulture
Name |
White-Headed Vulture |
Scientific Name |
Trigonoceps occipitalis |
Characteristics |
The White-headed vulture gets its name from the downy, white feathers on its head. It has a strong bill, capable of tearing flesh and curved talons to grasp and pierce prey. Their large, broad wings can carry them for hours as they search for food. |
Diet |
White-headed vultures fly low and are often the first animals to feast on a carcass. Vultures are important to the eco system as they dispose of dead animals that could be a cause of disease. |
Size Fact |
White-headed vulture’s wings span over 2 metres! |
Food Fact |
Vultures take stranded fish if they can find them. |
Fun Fact |
White-headed vulture chicks are completely white when they hatch. |
IUCN Red list |
White-headed vultures are classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN red list. A decline in the species is attributed to Diclofenac poisoning, where vultures eat the carcasses of animals treated with Diclofenac which then causes kidney failure. |
Where do I live? |
White-headed vultures are widespread in Africa in hot, dry woodland. |