Bonanza Bird #3: Cinereous Vulture
For 19 days we're adding a new Birdorable bird every day as part of our Birdorable Bonanza 2011. We're counting up to revealing our 350th species! Today's bird is the Cinereous Vulture. Read more »
Cinereous Vulture
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About the Cinereous Vulture
Also known as: Black Vulture, Monk Vulture, Eurasian Black Vulture
The Cinereous Vulture is one of the largest and heaviest raptors in the world, with dark brown to black plumage and a broad wingspan. Its large, featherless pale head is adapted to its scavenging lifestyle, allowing it to stay clean while feeding on carrion. These vultures have powerful bills that can tear into even the toughest of hides.
They primarily inhabit mountainous areas, open woodlands, and grasslands across southern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Cinereous Vultures are often solitary or seen in pairs, though they may gather in groups around a large carcass. They nest in tall trees or cliffs, building massive nests made of sticks.
As scavengers, Cinereous Vultures play a vital ecological role by helping to clean up dead animal remains. They can travel great distances in search of food, using their excellent vision to locate carcasses from high in the sky.
While not classified as endangered, these vultures are listed as "Near Threatened" due to habitat loss, poisoning from carcasses laced with pesticides, and a decline in available food sources in some regions.
Find cute products & gifts with our Birdorable Cinereous Vulture
Details & Statistics
Added to Birdorable
Hatched November 20, 2011
Scientific Name
Aegypius monachus
Bird Family
Measurements
Length:
3.2 to 3.9 feet
(1 to 1.2 meters)
Wingspan:
8 to 9.8 feet
(2.4 to 3 meters)
Weight:
17 to 31 pounds
(7.7 to 14.1 kilos)
International Names
Chinese
秃鹫
Czech
sup hnědý
Danish
Munkegrib
Dutch
Monniksgier
Finnish
munkkikorppikotka
French
Vautour moine
German
Mönchsgeier
Italian
Avvoltoio monaco
Japanese
クロハゲワシ (kurohagewashi)
Korean
독수리
Norwegian
Munkegribb
Polish
sęp kasztanowaty
Russian
Черный гриф
Spanish
Buitre Negro
Swedish
Grågam
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