White-headed Vulture
Trigonoceps occipitalis
The White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) is a rare kites, old world vultures, eagles, and hawk found in 30 countries, weighing about 3.0 kg. The white-headed vulture is an Old World vulture endemic to Africa.
About the White-headed Vulture
The white-headed vulture is an Old World vulture endemic to Africa. Populations have been declining steeply in recent years due to habitat degradation and poisoning of vultures at carcasses. An extinct relative was also present in the Indonesian island of Flores during the Late Pleistocene, indicating that the genus was more widespread in the past.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The white-headed vulture is a medium-sized vulture, 72–85 centimetres (28–33 in) in length and with a wingspan of 207–230 centimetres (81–91 in). Females have an average weight of 4.7 kilograms (10 lb), while males are generally lighter at 4 kilograms (8.8 lb) or less. This species is unique among African vultures as it shows a degree of reversed sexual dimorphism, where females are somewhat larger than males. It has a pink beak and a white crest, and the featherless areas on its head are pale. It has dark brown upper parts and black tail feathers.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Sudan, Guinea-Bissau.
When to see it
The White-headed 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 White-headed Vulture?
- The white-headed vulture is a medium-sized vulture, 72–85 centimetres (28–33 in) in length and with a wingspan of 207–230 centimetres (81–91 in). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a White-headed Vulture?
- The White-headed Vulture is a huge sized bird weighing about 3.0 kg.
- Where can you see a White-headed Vulture?
- The White-headed Vulture occurs in 30 countries, including South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Botswana and Uganda.
- What birds look similar to a White-headed Vulture?
- The White-headed Vulture is most easily confused with the Pied Harrier, the Square-tailed Kite and the Mountain Hawk-Eagle.
- Is the White-headed Vulture endangered?
- The White-headed Vulture is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the White-headed Vulture for real
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