Lappet-faced Vulture
Image: leekelai (cc-by-nc)
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 upperparts and flight feathers, contrasting with white underparts and thighs. The head and neck are largely bare, displaying a striking pinkish-red coloration, often with prominent fleshy folds or 'lappets' on the sides of the neck.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce hisses, grunts, and guttural growls, especially when interacting at a carcass or near the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, grassland, desert, shrubland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, with a smaller, fragmented population found in the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying Featureslarge size, bare pinkish-red head and neck, prominent skin lappets on neck, dark brown upperparts, white underparts, powerful bill
Description
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a massive Old World vulture known for its bare, pinkish-red head and distinctive skin folds (lappets) on its neck. It is a dominant scavenger, often seen soaring high or at large carcasses across its African and Arabian range.
