The Griffon Vulture is one of the largest raptors and has a distinctive silhouette with a bulky, barrel-shaped body underslung from the wings which are held in a very shallow V when soaring and with the "fingers" widely spread.

They live in a variety of open country habitats but require cliffs and thermals for their soaring flight. They are only seen in flight once the day has warmed sufficiently to give them some uplift.

They feed on carrion and cooperate in the search for food which, when found, rapidly attracts large groups of Griffon Vultures.