White-headed Vulture
NameWhite-headed Vulture
Common NameWhite-headed Vulture
Scientific NameTrigonoceps occipitalis
FamilyAccipitridae
Wingspan (cm)210
Length (cm)80
Weight (g)4300
Plumage DetailsAdults have a distinctive white head and neck with bare pink facial skin and a pale pinkish-orange bill with a dark tip. The body plumage is predominantly dark brown to black, with white thigh feathers and a white band visible on the underside of the wings in flight.
Vocalization / CallGenerally a silent bird, but can produce hisses, grunts, and growls, especially when competing for food at a carcass or during nesting.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeFound patchily distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Ethiopia and Somalia, and south to South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesWhite head and neck, Bare pink facial skin, Pale pinkish-orange bill with dark tip, Dark body plumage with white thighs, Large size
Description
The White-headed Vulture is a medium-sized Old World vulture characterized by its striking white head and neck, contrasting with a dark body. It is primarily a scavenger, often seen soaring high above savannas and open woodlands in search of carrion.
