Cinereous Vulture
NameCinereous Vulture
Common NameCinereous Vulture
Scientific NameAegypius monachus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)280
Length (cm)110
Weight (g)10500
Plumage DetailsAdults have uniformly dark brown to blackish plumage, with a paler, often grayish-blue to pinkish-gray bare head and neck. A ruff of dark, shaggy feathers surrounds the base of the neck. The legs are pale.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce hisses, grunts, and growls, especially when competing for food or at the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland, forest
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound across Eurasia, from Spain and Portugal in the west, through parts of the Balkans, Turkey, and Central Asia, to Mongolia, China, and Korea in the east.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size, Uniformly dark brown plumage, Bare dark head and neck, Massive dark bill, Wedge-shaped tail (especially in flight)
Description
The Cinereous Vulture is one of the largest Old World vultures, characterized by its massive size and dark plumage. It is a powerful scavenger, often dominating carcasses and playing a crucial role in ecosystem clean-up.
