Where are Vulture found in the wild?

You can find these incredible birds soaring high in the skies of North America and parts of Central and South America. Vultures prefer open areas like savannahs, grasslands, and forests, where they can glide and spot their favorite food—carrion—from great distances!

"Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) (21160089681)" by Lip Kee from Singapore, Republic of Singapore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Vulture

Explore the incredible cleanup crew of nature: Vultures!

"Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) (21160089681)" by Lip Kee from Singapore, Republic of Singapore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Basics

Scientific Name

Cathartes aura

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Location

Africa

Average size

2 to 3 feet

diet

Carrion

lifespan

15 to 20 years

Let’s Explore

Overview

Vultures are amazing birds with an important job in nature. These scavengers clean up the environment by eating carrion, which is the remains of dead animals, and they help keep ecosystems healthy.
Vultures belong to the Cathartidae family and soar gracefully through the skies. They measure about 2 to 3 feet tall, with long wings that make them expert gliders, allowing them to travel great distances without flapping much at all.
These birds have an impressive sense of smell that helps them locate food from miles away. Unlike many birds, vultures can detect odors of rotting meat, making them real detectives in the air, sniffing out a tasty meal!
Vultures play a key role in preventing the spread of diseases. By eating animals that have died, they help reduce potential hazards to other wildlife and to humans, proving that even the creatures that some find scary are actually quite helpful.
Vultures live for about 15 to 20 years in the wild. They often form strong bonds with their mates and can be seen soaring together, riding the warm air currents like aerial acrobats, putting on a show for all to see!

Where can you find a Vulture in the wild?

What does a Vulture eat?

How big can a Vulture grow?

How long does a Vulture typically live?

What is the conservation status of the Vulture?

What are the main threats to the Vulture?

wowzerful facts

Vultures have incredible eyesight that can spot food from over 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) away. With their sharp vision, they can even see carrion while soaring high up in the sky!

These birds sometimes practice a unique behavior called 'thermals' to save energy. Vultures soar in circles around hot rising air, letting nature do the work while they enjoy a long glide!

Vultures can eat rotten meat that would be harmful to many animals. Their strong stomach acids kill bacteria and toxins, allowing them to devour meals that are past their prime!

When vultures find food, they often gather in groups. This social eating habit can create a fun feast, as they chat and share the meal in an exciting buffet setup!

These remarkable birds have bare heads, which keep them clean while eating. Feathers would trap dirt and bacteria, but a bald head helps them stay hygienic when feasting on carrion!

Some vultures can travel hundreds of kilometers in a single day searching for food. Their famous endurance helps them cover a lot of ground, ensuring they find what they need!

Vultures use teamwork to feed. When one vulture spots food, it calls others, and they all swoop in for a group meal, making sure everyone gets a bite!

These birds are natural custodians of the ecosystem. By eating dead animals, they help prevent the spread of diseases, keeping the environment clean and safe for everyone!

Vultures often clean their feet by rubbing them in water or dirt. This quirky habit helps keep their claws in tip-top shape after scavenging for food!

Some types of vultures can live high up in trees, creating cozy nests. They choose high places to stay safe from ground predators and enjoy a great view while watching for meals!