









About the Slender-billed Vulture
The slender-billed vulture is an Old World vulture species native to sub-Himalayan regions and Southeast Asia. It is Critically Endangered since 2002 as the population on the Indian subcontinent has declined rapidly. As of 2021, fewer than 870 mature individuals are thought to remain.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
At 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in), in length, this mid-sized vulture is about the same size as its sister species, the Indian vulture. The wingspan of the vulture ranges from 196 to 258 cm (77 to 102 in). The slender-billed vulture is commonly mistaken for the Indian vulture, but there are a few key differences that differentiate the two species, primarily its darker head, and bill that is thinner than its sister species. This vulture is mostly grey with a pale rump and grey under-tail coverts. The thighs have whitish down. The neck is long, bare, skinnier than the Indian vulture and black.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
When to see it
Peak activity in March · a variable species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Indian VultureGyps indicusThe Indian vulture is bulky and medium in size.
White-rumped VultureGyps bengalensisThe white-rumped vulture is the smallest of the Gyps vultures, but is still a very large bird.
Learn the Slender-billed 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.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.