Palm-nut Vulture
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/12054060@N04">Schristia</a> (CC BY 2.0)
NamePalm-nut Vulture
Common NamePalm-nut Vulture
Scientific NameGypohierax angolensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)145
Length (cm)55
Weight (g)1500
Plumage DetailsAdults have a mostly white body, head, and tail, with contrasting black primary and secondary flight feathers. The face is bare and bright red, extending around the eyes. The bill is pale greyish-yellow, and the eyes are yellow.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a series of hoarse croaks, caws, or a 'kwa-kwa-kwa' sound, especially during breeding or when disturbed.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest, mangrove, riverine, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in West and Central Africa, wherever oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis) are abundant.
Identifying Featuresmostly white plumage, black flight feathers, bare red facial skin, yellow eyes, pale bill, unique diet of palm nuts, relatively small for a vulture
Description
This medium-sized raptor is unique among vultures for its largely vegetarian diet, primarily consisting of oil palm fruit. Adults display striking white plumage on the body contrasting with black flight feathers, and a distinctive bare red face.
