Griffon Vulture Bird Facts, Information, Scientific Name, Body Features & More
Let us learn about the Vulture who is the least concerned in terms of conservation, but is harmed and need supervision from Habitat destruction.
- Name- Griffon Vulture.
- Scientific name– Gyps fulvus.
- Size- 122 cm.
Distribution
Griffon Vultures are found in Asia, Europe, Africa, etc.
Habitat-
These Vultures can be spotted in Woodlands, Grasslands, Scrublands and Shrublands in Temperate Climatic regions.
Appearance
Griffon Vulture has a Whitehead with a hooked Beak. The body is Brown with distinctive Black wing Feathers, with a hint of white wings. Griffon Vultures have Grey Claws (legs).
They are Diurnal. It means Griffon Vultures are active during Day time. They have a large Call.
They display their threat and aggression towards other individuals through flight. It is to defend territory or food in the area.
These Vultures keep an eye on the other Vultures in the area, when it comes to locating their Prey.
Diet
As one of the Vulture species they feed upon the Carcass ( a dead body), but with the soft Yio.
The Carcasses include the Injured Cattle, Sheed, and another medium to large animals.
They rely on their eyesight to locate their Prey.
Nesting –
January is the Breeding month for Griffon Vultures. They are monogamous, which means they mate with one partner for a long.
Unique flight movements are the courtship displays for the Vultures.
They Breed in colonies. In Breeding season one will find 15-20 pairs, of Griffon Vultures nest.
Nest is located on a Cliff cavity or Rocky area. It is made up of Twigs, grass, etc.
Incubation of s single Griffon Vulture egg is of 52-60 days.
The hatchling is fed by regurgitation, and it becomes independent in 4 months.
Ecological Importance and Threats
Griffon Vulture is among Scavenger birds. It takes a lot for a bird to locate and feed on the carcass.
But there are other calamities for their survival such as Shooting, Electrocution from the Power lines, etc.
The Bird of this importance shouldn’t be under threat because of Human activities. Yet, unlike other Vultures this bird is a ‘Least Concern’ in terms of Conservation. It means their population is stable in the wild.
Also See: More Birds and Details