King Vulture
Sarcoramphus papa
The King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a uncommon new world vultur found in 19 countries, weighing about 3.4 kg. The king vulture is a large bird found in Central and South America.
About the King Vulture
The king vulture is a large bird found in Central and South America. It is a member of the New World vulture family Cathartidae. This vulture lives predominantly in tropical lowland forests stretching from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It is the only surviving member of the genus Sarcoramphus, although fossil members are known.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Excluding the two species of condors, the king vulture is the largest of the New World vultures. Its overall length ranges from 67 to 81 cm (26–32 in) and its wingspan is 1.2 to 2 m (4–7 ft). Its weight ranges from 2.7 to 4.5 kg (6–10 lb). An imposing bird, the adult king vulture has predominantly white plumage, which has a slight rose-yellow tinge to it. In stark contrast, the wing coverts, flight feathers, and tail are dark grey to black, as is the prominent thick neck ruff.
Where it lives
When to see it
The King Vulture can be seen all year round, with peak activity in March. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a King Vulture?
- Excluding the two species of condors, the king vulture is the largest of the New World vultures. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a King Vulture?
- The King Vulture is a huge sized bird weighing about 3.4 kg.
- Where can you see a King Vulture?
- The King Vulture occurs in 19 countries, including Costa Rica, Belize, Colombia, Brazil and Panama.
- What birds look similar to a King Vulture?
- The King Vulture is most easily confused with the Andean Condor, the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture and the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture.
- Is the King Vulture endangered?
- The King Vulture is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the King Vulture for real
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