Lappet-faced Vulture
Torgos tracheliotos
The Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) is a uncommon kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 32 countries, weighing about 7.0 kg. The lappet-faced vulture or Nubian vulture is an Old World vulture belonging to the bird order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks.
About the Lappet-faced Vulture
The lappet-faced vulture or Nubian vulture is an Old World vulture belonging to the bird order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only extant member of the genus Torgos. It is not closely related to the superficially similar New World vultures, and does not share the good sense of smell of some members of that family of birds.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The lappet-faced vulture is a very large species, ranking as the longest and largest winged vulture in its range, behind the closely related cinereous vulture, although some co-occurring Gyps vultures tend to be heavier on average, especially the Cape vulture and Eurasian griffon. This species measures around 95–115 cm (37–45 in) in body length, with a wingspan of 2.5–2.9 m (8.2–9.5 ft). Among the standard measurements, the wing chord is 71.5–82.5 cm (28.1–32.5 in), the tail is 33–36 cm (13–14 in) and the tarsus is 12.2–15 cm (4.8–5.9 in). The bill, at up to 10 cm (3.9 in) long and 5 cm (2.
Where it lives
When to see it
The Lappet-faced Vulture can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Lappet-faced Vulture?
- The lappet-faced vulture is a very large species, ranking as the longest and largest winged vulture in its range, behind the closely related cinereous vulture, although some co-occurring Gyps vultures tend to be heavier on average, especially the Cape vulture and Eurasian griffon. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Lappet-faced Vulture?
- The Lappet-faced Vulture is a huge sized bird weighing about 7.0 kg.
- Where can you see a Lappet-faced Vulture?
- The Lappet-faced Vulture occurs in 32 countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa, Namibia and Uganda.
- What birds look similar to a Lappet-faced Vulture?
- The Lappet-faced Vulture is most easily confused with the Pearl Kite, the African Hawk-Eagle and the Spotted Harrier.
- Is the Lappet-faced Vulture endangered?
- The Lappet-faced Vulture is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Lappet-faced Vulture for real
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