Vulture

Vulture is a general term for large birds with bald or sparsely feathered heads that feed primarily on carrion—animals that have already died. They belong to the family Accipitridae and, in the Americas, to a separate family called Cathartidae.

Vultures are distinguished by a bare or lightly feathered head and neck, a hooked beak, and broad wings that allow them to remain aloft for extended periods without flapping. They exploit thermal currents rising through the air to maintain altitude with minimal effort.

Appearance and behavior

In most species, the bare head aids hygiene when feeding inside a carcass. Vultures rely on exceptional eyesight to spot carrion from a distance; some American species also use smell. When one finds food, others soaring nearby see its movements and gather at the location.

Ecological role

Vultures play a part in sanitation by rapidly consuming carrion, which reduces the spread of diseases associated with decomposing bodies, such as anthrax. Their stomach acid is highly corrosive, allowing them to consume even bone and hide without harm to themselves.

Threats

Vulture populations have declined sharply in many parts of Africa and Asia. Reported causes include poisoning—sometimes livestock treated with poison intended for other predators is eaten by vultures—the use of veterinary drugs that harm birds, habitat loss, and trade in body parts for traditional use, which threatens certain species.