Palm-nut Vulture
Image: Paolo Candotti (cc-by-nc)
NamePalm-nut Vulture
Common NamePalm-nut Vulture
Scientific NameGypohierax angolensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)142.5
Length (cm)61
Weight (g)1300
Plumage DetailsAdults have a mostly dark grey to black body plumage, contrasting sharply with bright white primary and secondary flight feathers that have black tips. The head and neck are feathered, but the face, cere, and legs are bare and bright red.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include harsh, croaking calls, grunts, and occasional whistles, often given during display flights or when disturbed.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, woodland, riparian
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal east to Kenya and south to Angola and northern South Africa, wherever oil palms are abundant.
Identifying Featureswhite flight feathers with black tips, bare red facial skin and cere, primarily frugivorous diet (palm nuts), relatively small size for a vulture, broad wings and short tail in flight
Description
This medium-sized raptor is unique among vultures for its primarily plant-based diet, mainly consuming oil palm fruits. It exhibits a striking appearance with a dark body, bright white flight feathers, and a bare red face, often seen soaring gracefully over forested areas.
