Eurasian Griffon Vulture

About Eurasian Griffon Vulture:

• It is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae.
• It is one of the largest birds in the vulture family and is Europe’s second-largest bird.
• Scientific Name: Gyps fulvus
• Distribution:
  • It has a very large range, across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, from India to Portugal and Spain
  • They are most commonly found in countries that border the Mediterranean. 
• Habitat:
  • They live in areas of mountains, plateaus, shrubland, grassland, and semi-desert, usually in warm climates, but also in harsher conditions of cold, rain, mist, and snow to secure particularly favourable breeding or foraging conditions.
  • They tend to avoid forests, lakes, wetlands, and marine waters.
• Features:
  • The griffon vulture is 93–122 cm long with a 2.3–2.8 m wingspan.
  • Adult birds are identical with a white head, neck and ‘feathery’ ruff-like collar.
  • Its body and upper wings are pale brown.
  • They are social birds, often gathering in large groups to feed on a single carcass.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Least Concern

 

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Q1) What are Old World vultures?

The Old World vultures are a group of birds belonging to the family Accipitridae. The birds live in the "Old World" continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The vultures are not closely related to the New World vultures but only superficially similar to these birds due to convergent evolution. The Old World vultures lack a keen sense of smell unlike their New World counterparts.

Source: Rare Eurasian griffon vulture spotted at Delhi biodiversity park