Greater Yellow-headed Vulture
Cathartes melambrotus
Least ConcernAves · Accipitriformes · Cathartidae
About
The greater yellow-headed vulture, also known as the forest vulture, is a species of bird in the New World vulture family Cathartidae. It was considered to be the same species as the lesser yellow-headed vulture until they were split in 1964. It is found in South America in tropical moist lowland forests. It is a fairly large bird, with a wingspan of 166–178 cm (65–70 in), a weight of 1.65 kilograms (3.6 lb) and a body length of 64–75 cm (25–30 in). The body plumage is black, and the head and neck, which are featherless, range in color from deep yellow to pale orange. It lacks a syrinx, and its vocalizations are therefore limited to grunts or low hisses.
Fun Fact
The greater yellow-headed vulture also has the unusual habit of urohidrosis, in which it urinates or defecates on its legs to cool them evaporatively.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitat is tropical moist lowland forests.
Diet
Scavenger
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance