Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture

Cathartes burrovianus

Least Concern

Aves · Accipitriformes · Cathartidae

About

The lesser yellow-headed vulture, also known as the savannah vulture, is a species of bird in the New World vulture family Cathartidae. It was considered to be the same species as the greater yellow-headed vulture until they were split in 1964. It is found in Mexico, Central America, and South America in seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, swamps, and heavily degraded former forest. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of 150–165 cm (59–65 in). The body plumage is black, and the head and neck, which are featherless, are pale orange with red or blue areas. It lacks a syrinx, so therefore its vocalizations are limited to grunts or low hisses.

Fun Fact

This is the lightest and smallest of the extant New World vultures despite sometimes measuring at least as long and longer winged than black vultures.

Quick Facts

Habitat

To be updated

Diet

Scavenger

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

  • Habitat Change
  • Human Disturbance