Palm-nut Vulture
NamePalm-nut Vulture
Common NamePalm-nut Vulture
Scientific NameGypohierax angolensis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)61
Weight (g)1550
Plumage DetailsAdults have a mostly white head, neck, body, and wing coverts. The primary and secondary flight feathers are black, creating a strong contrast. The facial skin around the eyes and cere is bright red, and the bill is yellowish-grey with a dark tip.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a quiet bird, but can produce a series of hoarse croaks, grunts, or a 'kraa-kraa-kraa' call, especially when disturbed or around the nest.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatspalm forests, mangroves, coastal areas, riverine forests
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in areas with oil palm trees, ranging from Senegal and Gambia east to Ethiopia and south to Angola and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
Identifying Featureswhite body plumage, black flight feathers, red facial skin and cere, yellowish-grey bill, unique diet of palm nuts
Description
The Palm-nut Vulture is a distinctive medium-sized raptor, unique among vultures for its largely frugivorous diet, primarily consisting of oil palm nuts. Adults display striking white plumage contrasted with black flight feathers and a prominent red facial patch. They are often found perching conspicuously in palm trees or soaring over their habitat.
