Vulture

Scientific Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Aves

• Order: Accipitriformes (Old World Vultures)

• Family: Accipitridae

• Order: Cathartiformes (New World Vultures)

• Family: Cathartidae

There are two main groups of vultures:

1. Old World Vultures: found in Africa, Europe, and Asia

2. New World Vultures: found in North, Central, and South America

They look similar but are not closely related, a great example of “convergent evolution.”

Common Names

• Vulture (general name)

• Scavenger bird

• In Yoruba: Igún

• In Hausa: Ungulu

• In Igbo: Ugo nwuru anwụ (the eagle of the dead)

• In Hindi: Giddh

Geographic Distribution

Vultures live on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. You’ll find them:

• In savannahs, forests, mountains, deserts

• Near animal migration routes or human settlements

• In national parks and open fields

Physical Characteristics

• Size: Medium to large (some with 2.5-meter wingspan!)

• Wings: Long and wide for soaring effortlessly

• Neck: Often bald to stay clean while feeding

• Beak: Strong and hooked to tear meat

• Vision: Excellent, they can spot a carcass from kilometers away

Image showing  vultures circling high in the sky over the savannah (Source: Shutterstock)

Species of Vultures

Here are some major vulture species from around the world:

1. Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)

• Found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia

• Pale body with brown wings and a long neck

• Often seen soaring in groups

Image showing  a griffon vulture gliding above a canyon cliff (Source: iStock)

2. White-Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)

• Common in sub-Saharan Africa

• Brown body with white lower back

• Critically endangered due to poisoning and habitat loss

Image showing a  White-backed vulture perched on a tree branch in the savannah (Source: iStock)

3. Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)

• Small African vulture with a pink bald head

• Often found near villages and garbage sites

• Also endangered

Image showing a hooded vulture walking through  grass (Source: Shutterstock)

4. Lappet-Faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos)

• One of the largest African vultures

• Strong beak to tear through tough hides

• Dominant at carcass sites

Image showing a Lappet-faced vulture facing the camera with wings spread wide (Source: Etsy)

5. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

• Found in the Americas

• Red bald head like a turkey

• Has a keen sense of smell, unlike Old World vultures

Image showing a Turkey vulture with wings spread while standing on a fence post (Source: Flickr)

Fun facts about Vultures

• Vultures can digest dangerous bacteria like anthrax and botulism without getting sick

• They don’t kill animals, they only eat animals that are already dead

• Their acidic stomachs help stop disease from spreading

• Some vultures pee on their legs to cool off and kill germs

• They soar without flapping for long distances, saving energy

Importance to the Ecosystem

Vultures help to keep the ecosystems clean:

• Prevent the spread of disease by removing dead animals

• Control fly and stray dog populations

• Help to recycle nutrients back into the soil

Without vultures, carcasses would rot for longer and attract dangerous pests.

Threats to Vultures

Vultures face serious dangers:

• Poisoning from carcasses laced with pesticide or used to kill predators

• Loss of habitat due to farming, logging, and urban development

• Power lines and electrocution

• Illegal trade for body parts in traditional medicine

• Diclofenac poisoning, a painkiller used in livestock that kills vultures who eat the treated meat

Conservation Status

Many vulture species are Critically Endangered, especially in Africa and South Asia.

 Vulture vs Eagle

For wildlife support or to report injured birds, you can reach out to us at Doctor Hulk Veterinary Hospital, or cal us through 08143397614.