Palm-nut Vulture
Image: Paolo Candotti (cc-by-nc)
NamePalm-nut Vulture
Common NamePalm-nut Vulture
Scientific NameGypohierax angolensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)140
Length (cm)61
Weight (g)1550
Plumage DetailsAdults have a mostly white body, head, and tail, contrasting sharply with black primary and secondary flight feathers. The bare skin around the eyes and cere is bright orange-red. Juveniles are duller, mostly brown with a yellowish face and lack the distinct white and black pattern of adults.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, but can produce a series of harsh, croaking calls or a drawn-out 'kraa-kraa-kraa' when disturbed, around the nest, or during display flights.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, wetland, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in tropical sub-Saharan Africa, its range extends from Senegal and Gambia east to Kenya and south to Angola and northern South Africa, primarily in areas with abundant oil palms.
Identifying Featureswhite body plumage, black flight feathers, bare red facial skin (adults), specialized diet of oil palm fruits, soaring flight profile with broad wings
Description
The Palm-nut Vulture is a distinctive medium-sized raptor, unique among vultures for its largely frugivorous diet, primarily feeding on oil palm fruits. Adults exhibit a striking plumage of white and black, often seen soaring gracefully over its preferred habitat near oil palm groves and water bodies.
