Bonanza Bird #8: Palm-nut Vulture

July 17, 2012 in Vultures and Birdorable Bonanza 2012 with 8 comments

Today's Bonanza bird is the Palm-nut Vulture, also known as the Vulturine Fish Eagle.

Vultures are sometimes known as nature's garbage collectors, because they mostly feed on carrion - dead animals. The Palm-nut Vulture is the exception to the rule, feeding mainly on the fruits of Raphia and Elaeis palm trees. Their method of feeding can be quite unusual, too. They hang upside-down, holding onto the fruit with their feet and using their beaks to pull off pieces to eat.

Buitre palmero - Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) by ferran pestaña

The Palm-nut Vulture is rather common within its range. This species is fortunately not threatened, unlike many other vulture species.

Birdorable Palm-nut Vulture t-shirts and gifts

Tomorrow's bird is an Old World finch with a bovine name. Can you guess what it will be?

Comments

bluegrosbeak on July 17, 2012 at 12:09 PM wrote:

You guys should add the Kori Buzzard. Its the heaviest flying bird on Earth. I think it would be a nice addition to Birdorable!

bluegrosbeak on July 17, 2012 at 12:12 PM wrote:

Sorry i meant Kori Bustard

laurakeet on July 17, 2012 at 12:21 PM wrote:

Hoary Redpoll!

Elinor (Ashira) on July 17, 2012 at 12:24 PM wrote:

It's a Bullfinch! : D

Louise Warner on March 6, 2017 at 8:21 AM wrote:

eastern towhee?

Bar tailed godwit on March 13, 2017 at 1:50 PM wrote:

Eastern towhee!

Bar tailed godwit on March 13, 2017 at 2:10 PM wrote:

Cool, palm nut vultures are really upside down?

Spurwing Plover on May 21, 2022 at 6:31 AM wrote:

Every Family has their Rebel their Nonconformist

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