About the Griffon Vulture
The Eurasian griffon vulture is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae. It is also known as the Eurasian griffon or griffon vulture, although the latter term is sometimes used for the genus Gyps as a whole.
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ID tip
The griffon vulture is 93–122 cm (37–48 in) long with a 2.3–2.8 m (7.5–9.2 ft) wingspan. In the nominate race the males weigh 6.2 to 10.5 kg (14 to 23 lb) and females typically weigh 6.5 to 10.5 kg (14 to 23 lb), while in the Indian subspecies (G. f. fulvescens), the vultures average 7.1 kg (16 lb). Extreme adult weights have been reported from 4.5 to 15 kg (9.9 to 33.1 lb), the latter likely a weight attained in captivity. Hatched naked, it is a typical Old World vulture in appearance, with a white head, broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Griffon Vulture sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Netherlands, Finland, Mongolia, Romania, Slovakia, Eritrea, Sudan.
When to see it
Peak activity in May · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
White-backed VultureGyps africanusThe white-backed vulture is a typical vulture, with only down feathers on the head and neck, very broad wings and short tail feathers.
Himalayan VultureGyps himalayensisThe Himalayan vulture has dark brown greater covert feathers, tail and wing quills, but a pale buff uniform upperside and paler tipped inner secondaries; its legs are covered with buffy feathers and vary in colour from greenish grey to pale brown.
Cape VultureGyps coprotheresThis large vulture is of a creamy-buff colour, with contrasting dark flight and tail feathers.
Side by side: Griffon Vulture vs White-backed Vulture
Learn the Griffon Vulture for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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