Lappet-faced Vulture
Image: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE (CC BY-SA 2.0)
NameLappet-faced Vulture
Common NameLappet-faced Vulture
Scientific NameTorgos tracheliotos
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)270
Length (cm)105
Weight (g)6900
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to blackish body plumage, contrasting with white thighs and a white vent. The head and neck are largely bare, displaying a striking pinkish-red skin, with prominent fleshy lappets on the sides of the head. The bill is pale with a dark tip.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a range of hisses, grunts, and growls, particularly when competing at a carcass or around the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert, forest
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeFound across much of sub-Saharan Africa, with a disjunct population in the Arabian Peninsula. It prefers arid savannas, semi-deserts, and open woodlands.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size, Bare pinkish-red head and neck, Prominent fleshy lappets on head, Dark brown body plumage, White thighs, Powerful, pale bill with dark tip
Description
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a very large Old World vulture characterized by its bare, pinkish-red head and distinctive fleshy folds (lappets) on the sides of its head. It is a dominant scavenger at carcasses, often displacing smaller vultures due to its formidable size and powerful bill.
