Lappet-faced Vulture
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/65695019@N07">Bernard DUPONT</a> 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 belly. The head and neck are largely bare, displaying a distinctive pinkish-red coloration, often with bluish patches on the face. Prominent fleshy lappets are visible on the sides of the head.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce hisses, grunts, and growls, especially when competing at a carcass or during nesting.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, arid regions, semi-arid grasslands, open woodlands, deserts, thorny scrubland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeWidespread but sparsely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with isolated populations in the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying FeaturesVery large size, Bare pinkish-red head and neck, Prominent fleshy lappets on head, Dark brown body plumage, White thighs, Powerful, heavy bill
Description
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a very large Old World vulture characterized by its bare, pinkish-red head and prominent fleshy folds (lappets) on the sides of its head. It is a dominant scavenger at carcasses, often displacing smaller vultures due to its size and powerful bill.
