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.