Himalayan Griffon
NameHimalayan Griffon
Common NameHimalayan Griffon
Scientific NameGyps himalayensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)285
Length (cm)122.5
Weight (g)10000
Plumage DetailsAdults have a pale, sandy-buff to whitish body plumage, contrasting with darker flight feathers. The head and neck are largely bare and whitish, often tinged with blue, and surrounded by a prominent, shaggy white ruff of feathers at the base of the neck.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but may produce hisses, grunts, and growls, especially when squabbling over a carcass or at the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, grassland
Conservation Statusnear-threatened
Geographic RangeFound primarily in the high mountains of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, extending across Central Asia from Afghanistan to western China and Mongolia.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size, Pale, sandy-buff plumage, Bare whitish head and neck, Prominent white ruff, Broad wings for soaring
Description
The Himalayan Griffon is a massive Old World vulture, characterized by its pale plumage and impressive wingspan. It is a high-altitude scavenger, often seen soaring effortlessly on thermals over mountainous terrain in search of carrion.
