Lappet-faced Vulture
Image: bornfeta (cc-by-nc)
NameLappet-faced Vulture
Common NameLappet-faced Vulture
Scientific NameTorgos tracheliotos
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)270
Length (cm)105
Weight (g)7000
Plumage DetailsAdults have dark brown to black body plumage, contrasting with white thighs and a white band on the underside of the wings. The head and neck are largely bare, pinkish-red, with prominent fleshy folds (lappets) on the sides of the neck. Juveniles are generally darker with a less vibrant head color.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a range of hisses, grunts, and growls, especially when at a carcass or during territorial disputes. They are not known for complex vocalizations.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, desert, grassland, shrubland, open woodland
Conservation Statusendangered
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, extending into parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Its distribution is patchy and declining in many areas.
Identifying Featuresvery large size, bare pinkish-red head and neck, prominent fleshy lappets on neck, dark body plumage, white thighs, broad wings for soaring, powerful bill
Description
A very large Old World vulture, the Lappet-faced Vulture is characterized by its imposing size and distinctive bare, pinkish-red head with prominent skin folds (lappets). It is primarily a scavenger, soaring high to locate carrion in arid and semi-arid landscapes, often dominating other vultures at a carcass.
