Vultures are birds of prey that play a vital role in the natural balance. These flying scavengers help to keep the environment clean and free of diseases. And there are many more interesting things about them. So we’ve collected some of the best vulture pictures to show you just how amazing they are.
Bearded Vulture
The bearded vulture is a unique-looking species not only because of the beard under its chin, for which it is named, but also its lozenge-shaped tail. Unlike all other vertebrates on the planet, it is the only species whose diet consists almost entirely of bone.
Vultures Circling
Once they locate an animal carcass to feed on vultures will circle above it. They actually do this so that they can get a view of whether or not it is safe to land. Once the coast is clear, the vultures will descend and begin to feed.
Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture is a common species both in North and South America. Its distinct red-colored and featherless head can be difficult to see when it’s soaring high above. However when seen up close or when viewing turkey vulture pictures you can clearly see how similar its head looks to that of a turkey, which is how it got its name.
Black Vulture
The black vulture is a New World Vulture that has a slate grey head and predominantly black plumage. While it is mainly a scavenger, one of the facts about black vultures, which cattle ranchers know all too well, is that these birds will also kill newborn calves.
When black vultures are seen circling over a particular area it can therefore be an indicator for ranchers that a cow is giving birth. And by rushing to the location they can protect the lives of their livestock.
California Condor
The California Condor was formerly known as the California vulture. With a wingspan that can reach close to ten feet wide this species has the widest wingspan of any North American bird. It is also one of the longest-lived birds on the planet with some individuals reaching sixty years of age.
King Vulture
The vast majority of vulture species are not considered by most people to be good-looking birds. The king vulture however with its multi-colored face is an exception. It’s no coincidence that many king vulture pictures are taken in captivity. Because of its striking beauty, colors, and impressive size, the king vulture is kept in zoos and wildlife parks around the world.
Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian vulture can be easily identified by its unmistakable white plumage, black bill, and yellow facial skin. This species is also called the Pharaoh’s chicken. Similar to crows, Egyptian vultures are for using tools.
Griffon Vulture
The griffon vulture is also known as the Eurasian griffon. It has a white head, a yellow beak, and broad wings. This species ranges from North Africa to Southern Europe and Asia. Because its range extends across several different countries, many pictures of vultures are of this species in particular as it is commonly photographed.
Vulture Wings
Vultures have large wings which help them to float on updrafts of air known as thermals. However, those wings can also get in the way. Therefore vultures usually tend to roost in dead trees that are free of obstructions, since their wings won’t get caught.
Vulture Head
After looking at various vulture pictures you may have noticed that many species have bald (featherless) heads. It is generally accepted that reason for this is that it allows the birds to feed with their heads inside rotting carcasses without getting dirty. Having a featherless head is also believed to help with thermoregulation as well.
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