18 Different Types of Vultures (With Pictures) | BirdChronicle.com (2024)

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Vultures are known as large scavenging birds found on all continents except for Australia and Antarctica.

There are two main groups; Old World and New World vultures, known for feeding almost exclusively on animal carcasses.

In today’s article, we’ll be comparing 18 types of vulture species.

Old World Vultures:

  • Bearded Vultures
  • Egyptian Vultures
  • Cinereous Vultures
  • Griffon Vultures
  • Red-headed Vultures
  • White-rumped Vultures
  • Indian Vultures
  • White-backed Vultures
  • Cape Vultures
  • Lappet-faced Vultures
  • White-headed Vultures

New World Vultures:

  • Black Vultures
  • Turkey Vultures
  • Greater Yellow-headed Vultures
  • Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures
  • California Condors
  • Andean Condors
  • King Vultures

Note: The vultures are ranked in no particular order.

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1. Bearded Vultures

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Scientific name: Gypaetus barbatus

This bird is the closest living relative of the Egyptian vulture. It is often found in parts of southern Europe, central and southwestern Asia, the Indian subcontinent, as well as pockets around Africa.

Bearded vultures are very large – their wingspan can grow longer than 9 feet. They fly at great heights, prowling for prey.

More than 90% of its diet consists of mammal carrion, and the largest part of what they eat is bone marrow – not meat.

They’re the only bird species with a bone marrow specialization, proving that nature really does find a way of using up every last bit of remains.

These types of vultures in Turkey can bite through bones, but they also crack them by dropping them from great heights.

2. Egyptian Vultures

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Scientific name: Neophron percnopterus

Also known as the pharaoh’s chicken, the Egyptian vulture is common across southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of southwestern Asia and the Iberian Peninsula.

They’re normally white, while their wings have some black feathers. Because of their white plumage, they get dirty easily and are often thought to be brown, although that’s most likely dirt.

In the wild, these types of vultures in Egypt are often seen in pairs or alone – large flocks are rarely formed.

They scavenge and obtain food in pairs too.

3. Cinereous Vultures

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Scientific name: Aegypius monachus

Also known as the black vulture (not to be confused with the actual black vulture, Coragyps atratus), these birds with a 10-foot wingspan occupy a very wide range from South Korea all the way to India in southern Asia and the Iberian Peninsula in the west. An isolated population exists in southwestern Europe.

These types of vultures in Europe are a solitary species – they’ll only congregate in groups when carrion is found. They mostly feed on mammals, although fish and reptiles are also eaten.

4. Griffon Vultures

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Scientific name: Gyps fulvus

With a distribution very similar to cinereous vultures, although griffon vultures aren’t found more eastern than India, these vultures are a common species in their respective environments.

There, they often congregate in flocks to find food, while they also establish nesting colonies on cliffs. Griffon vultures can live up to 40 years before becoming prey themselves.

See also 19 Birds That Eat Out Of Your Hand

5. Red-headed Vultures

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Scientific name: Sarcogyps calvus

As the name suggests, this threatened species of vultures has a distinctly red head. It’s also known under the name ‘Asian king vulture’, as it’s mainly found on the Indian subcontinent.

Their population there is, unfortunately, declining. This happened very recently and through the use of diclofenac in veterinary medicine, which is a poisonous compound to vultures.

At the time of use, it was not known that vultures had any reaction to the compounds.

These types of vultures in India would ingest the compound by eating dead livestock that had it administered.

6. White-rumped Vultures

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Scientific name: Gyps bengalensis

Just like the red-headed vultures, white-rumped vultures are a victim of diclofenac poisoning. Because of this, their population in Asia has declined from millions of individuals (in the 1980s) to less than 6,000 individuals today.

They can reach almost 9 feet in wingspan and they have a very recognizable pattern on the underside. Seen in flight, adults have a white lining on the underside of their black wings.

7. Indian Vultures

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Scientific name: Gyps indicus

This species is found exclusively in India and their numbers there are declining due to diclofenac poisoning. The remaining populations mostly breed on cliffs in western, central, and southern India.

To feed, they often form flocks and look for carcasses together, mostly feeding on mammals. Indian vultures have distinctly black necks and heads, while their wings and backs are mostly brown and grey.

Similar to white-rumped vultures, these vultures also have a white pattern on the underside of the wings, albeit it is less obvious.

8. White-backed Vultures

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Scientific name: Gyps africanus

As the name suggests, these vultures have a distinctly white back on top of their brown wings. Their necks have a white ruff, but the juveniles are mostly dark and they only develop the white coloring as adults.

They’re mostly found in Africa, specifically in Senegal, Gambia, Mali, Ethiopia, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and parts of southern Africa. Out of all types of vultures in Africa, these vultures have the widest range.

However, they’re not as nearly as common in this range as some people believe. They’re considered endangered because of loss of habitat, often caused by fires.

They’re highly specialized when it comes to their diet, mostly feeding on large ungulates, as well as ostriches. White-backed vultures are highly social, foraging and feeding together.

9. Cape Vultures

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Scientific name: Gyps coprotheres

Endemic to southern Africa, these vultures are a vulnerable species, threatened by the lack of carrion in their habitats, as well as the use of diclofenac on livestock.

They can weigh up to 20 pounds, making them some of the largest raptors in Africa, while their wingspan is almost 9 feet wide. This makes them the third largest Old World vulture.

10. Lappet-faced Vultures

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Scientific name: Torgos tracheliotos

A species native to Africa, they’re found in southern, eastern, central, and western Africa, as well as the Iberian Peninsula.

Their wingspan can be as wide as 9.5 feet and they’re recognized by their distinctly pink head. The feathers on the neck are thin.

See also Canary Vs. Parakeet: Which Makes A Better Pet? [Differences Explained]

Their baldness is an evolutionary advantage – they often push their entire heads into carcasses when eating.

Since they’re bald, they don’t have a lot of blood and guts sticking to their head. This makes it easy to stay clean and they don’t attract other predators.

11. White-headed Vultures

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Scientific name: Trigonoceps occipitalis

Mostly located in sub-Saharan Africa, the population of these vultures is steadily declining because of a lack of available prey. The spreading of urban and agricultural habitats is the most likely reason behind it.

White-headed vultures are also loyal to a specific area and are unlikely to move unless they’re forced out. They’re a solitary species that live in isolation, although territorial pairs can share the same territory.

They’re a low-flying species of vulture, which is a contrast to most other vultures. Because of this, they spot prey more easily and are usually the first ones to start eating. If prey is lacking, they’ll turn to predatory behavior.

12. Black Vultures

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Scientific name: Coragyps atratus

Black vultures are a species of New World vultures found in southern and southeastern USA, Mexico, Central America, and almost the entire South American continent, barring the bottom quarter.

As the name suggests, they’re an entirely black species, with a wingspan of 5.5 feet.

These types of vultures in Texas feed mostly on carrion, but they’ll often scavenge garbage dumps when they nest near human-populated areas. They’ll even eat decomposing plant material.

13. Turkey Vultures

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Scientific name: Cathartes aura

Turkey vultures are some of the northernmost vulture species – they inhabit the entire South American continent and are found as far north as Canada. Their bald red head, similar to that of the wild turkey, is the inspiration behind their name.

Although they primarily feed on carrion, they’ll sometimes eat plant materials.

Even though they aren’t predators, they’ll kill sick and dying individuals. These types of vultures in North America are often seen removing roadkill from roads, as well as feeding on washed-up fish.

14. Greater Yellow-headed Vultures

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Scientific name: Cathartes melambrotus

Also known as forest vultures, these birds are found in the northern portion of South America. There, their wingspan can almost reach 6 feet and they’re easily recognizable because of their distinctly yellow heads.

Because their beaks aren’t strong, they often have trouble opening carcasses, so they’re usually not the first species to start eating an animal carcass.

The eyesight of these types of vultures in Brazil is very well developed, but so is their sense of smell, which isn’t common with birds.

15. Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures

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Scientific name: Cathartes burrovianus

They inhabit most of the same territory as the greater yellow-headed vulture, but their populations are more isolated. They’re also found further up north in Central America.

Although they’re very similar to greater yellow-headed vultures, they’re smaller in every way, while their plumage is browner and the head is more orange than yellow.

Lesser yellow-headed vultures are often followed by king vultures that inhabit the same territory as that species doesn’t have the keen sense of smell.

See also co*ckatiel Vs. Parakeet: 15 Key Differences

King vultures will open the carcass, as they’re much stronger, enabling the lesser yellow-headed vulture to feed.

16. California Condors

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Scientific name: Gymnogyps californianus

The habitat of California condors is very restricted – they’re only found in California and parts of Arizona. They have massive wingspans – usually up to 10 feet, although unproven reports of 11-foot wingspans exist.

These types of vultures in California are endangered because of poaching, lead poisoning, and habitat destruction. It also takes a lot of time for them to sexually mature and they only have one young per nest.

Although rare, California condors can be recognized by their entirely black bodies and a bald head, often with yellow patches.

17. Andean Condors

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Scientific name: Vultur gryphus

Andean condors are generally considered to be the largest vultures in the world. They can weigh up to 30 pounds and develop a wingspan of almost 11 feet.

As the name suggests, they’re mostly found on the western coast of South America, particularly in the Andes. They mostly feed on llamas and alpacas, although smaller carcasses are often consumed too.

Although rare, predatory behavior has been documented – they’ll sometimes kill small mammals and birds. They usually forage the area near the coast, not wandering further away than a few miles off the coast.

18. King Vultures

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Scientific name: Sarcoramphus papa

These large birds from South and Central America are mostly white, while their necks and heads are completely bald. The color pattern on the head is different from bird to bird, often combining various colors; yellow, blue, red, purple, and orange.

They’re the largest species of New World vulture after the two condor species with a wingspan of up to 7 feet. It has the strongest bill out of all New World vultures, often opening up carcasses first (hence the name).

Final Thoughts

Vultures are crucial members of every habitat as they clean up the remains of dead animals, thus preventing the development of diseases. Unfortunately, many species are now threatened because of the use of veterinary medicines and habitat destruction.

These birds are separated into two groups Old World and New World vultures. Old World vultures are larger on average, although the largest vultures are Andean condors, belonging to the New World group.

18 Different Types of Vultures (With Pictures) | BirdChronicle.com (22)

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18 Different Types of Vultures (With Pictures) | BirdChronicle.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the most aggressive vulture? ›

The lappet-faced vulture is one of the most aggressive of African birds. It possesses one of the strongest beaks, usually arriving last to the carcass due to its ability to tear off skin, tendons, and ligaments that are too tough for smaller scavengers.

What is the rarest vulture in the world? ›

The white-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis) is an Old World vulture native to South and Southeast Asia. It has been listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2000, as the population severely declined.

What's the difference between vultures and buzzards? ›

There are New World vultures, which consist of the Cathartidae family, and there are Old World vultures, which consist of the Accipitridae family. Buzzards, however, are a species of hawk that belong to the Buteo genus. They are predators that go after live prey, not carrion.

What are the most common vultures? ›

In the U.S., Black Vultures are outnumbered by their red-headed relatives, Turkey Vultures, but they have a huge range and are the most numerous vulture in the Western Hemisphere. Turkey Vultures have an excellent sense of smell, but Black Vultures aren't nearly as accomplished sniffers.

What is the most beautiful vulture in the world? ›

The King Vulture is arguably one of the world's most beautiful vultures. It is covered in predominantly white feathers. Its white wings are highlighted with contrasting black feather tips, wing coverts and tail. Like other vulture species, the King Vulture has a mostly featherless head and neck.

Can a vulture pick up a human? ›

No. Vultures have evolved to eat dead animals and have no reason to attack a live human or pet. However, if cornered or handled, they may bite or vomit. Vultures vomit when stressed, which gets predators to back off and makes the vultures lighter for an easier takeoff.

What is the smartest vulture? ›

Two of the most intelligent are the crow and the raven. The turkey vulture is another bird that has superior intelligence. It's called a turkey buzzard because its bald and red head resembles a turkey. The turkey vulture is often called a buzzard.

What is the largest vulture in the United States? ›

California condor

What's the highest vultures can fly? ›

Rüppell's griffon vultures have been documented as having reached heights of over 36,000 feet (10,973 meters) above sea level. This discovery came at a cost; an individual was sucked into the engine of an aircraft flying at 36,100 feet (11,003 meters) above Cote d'Ivoire.

What attracts vultures to a house? ›

While the exact reason turkey vultures love roofs isn't fully known, many experts theorize they are attracted to the crackling and popping sounds your roof makes as it expands and contracts throughout the heat-to-cool cycles of the day.

What is the black bird that looks like a vulture? ›

The black vulture (Coragyps atratus), also known as the American black vulture, Mexican vulture, zopilote, urubu, or gallinazo, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Perú, Central Chile and Uruguay in South America.

What do vultures mean spiritually? ›

Spiritual Symbolism of Vultures

Vultures are symbols of death, rebirth, purification, patience, protection, and new beginnings. Seeing a vulture is a sign to let go of the things that no longer serve you and embrace change. Vultures are considered a positive omen of new beginnings.

What does it mean when vultures are around your house? ›

The most likely short-term possibility is that there are animal carcasses somewhere in close proximity to your house. You may not be able to smell or see them but being specially adapted, vultures are able to.

What does it mean when buzzards are circling? ›

These updrafts are caused by the air being heated at ground level, and then it floats up in bubbles or pockets, forming ascending air currents or thermals. Buzzards rise on these air currents, then soar or float in a circle to keep within the stream of air and to search an area before floating to the next thermal.

What is a flock of vultures called? ›

volt. In flight, a flock of vultures is a kettle, and when. the birds are feeding together at a carcass, the group. is called a wake.

Are Black Vultures more aggressive than Turkey Vultures? ›

Turkey Vultures are more solitary when hunting than Black Vultures and often hunt alone or in small groups. Black Vultures, however, will often hunt in larger groups. Being more aggressive birds, a large group of Black Vultures can easily take over a carcass from a solitary, or a small group of Turkey Vultures.

How aggressive are Turkey Vultures? ›

Behavior: The Turkey Vulture is gentle and non-aggressive.

Has a vulture ever attacked a human? ›

Vultures are harmless, despite the chilling role they play in stories and myths. They dine mostly on dead animals and have no incentive to attack humans. In fact, vultures are beneficial for people because they are extremely efficient at removing human and animal waste from our towns, villages and roads.

Who is the strongest eagle or vulture? ›

While a vulture is known for its ability to soar for long periods and locate carrion from great distances, an eagle is known for its powerful talons and impressive hunting skills. In fact, the Harpy Eagle is the strongest bird of prey in the world.

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