Lappet-faced Vulture
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 plumage on the upperparts and wings, with contrasting white thighs and a white band on the underside of the wings. The head and neck are largely bare, typically pinkish-red, with distinctive fleshy folds or 'lappets' on the sides of the face.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce hisses, grunts, and growls, especially when competing for food or disturbed.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, desert, thornbush
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeFound across much of sub-Saharan Africa, with a disjunct population in the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying Featureslarge size, dark body plumage, bare pinkish-red head with prominent lappets, white thighs, powerful beak, white band on underwing
Description
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a very large Old World vulture, characterized by its dark plumage, bare pinkish-red head with prominent skin folds, and powerful beak. It is a dominant scavenger at carcasses, often displacing smaller vultures.
