Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

Al Ain, Abu Dhabi
March 2010

The Egyptian Vulture breeds from southern Europe to central Asia and the Indian subcontinent and large parts of east Africa. The European and central Asian populations migrate to south of the Sahara.

There are two sub-species. These photos show the nominate. The Indian sub-species N. p. ginginianus is smaller and lacks the dark point to the yellow bill.

Photos 5 and 6 show an immature bird which I think is probably a 2nd year bird. Juveniles are dark brown with a blacker head. They take five years to reach full adult plumage.

It nests on cliffs and rocky outcrops and lives in open, often arid, country. It is frequently found near human settlements where it can scavenge on rubbish. Its slender bill is adapted to picking up items rather than tearing flesh.

The population is declining rapidly in most areas especially India and Europe leading to its classification as Endangered by Birdlife International.

There is an excellent page on ARKive.

2nd year Egyptian Vulture, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, March 2010 - click for larger image

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