Indian Vulture
NameIndian Vulture
Common NameIndian Vulture
Scientific NameGyps indicus
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)217
Length (cm)91.5
Weight (g)5900
Plumage DetailsAdults display a pale sandy-brown body plumage contrasting with darker flight feathers and tail. The head and long neck are mostly bare, dark grey to blackish, and the bill is pale yellowish.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce hisses, grunts, and squeals, particularly when competing for food at carcasses or at communal roosts.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsmountain, desert, urban
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeHistorically found across the Indian subcontinent, primarily in India and parts of Pakistan. Its range has significantly contracted due to severe population declines.
Identifying Featurespale sandy-brown body, dark bare head and neck, pale yellowish bill, large size, soaring flight
Description
The Indian Vulture is a medium-sized Old World vulture characterized by its pale body plumage, dark flight feathers, and a dark, largely featherless head and neck. These birds are obligate scavengers, primarily feeding on carrion, and are often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on cliffs and buildings.
