Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus
兀鹫
Introduction
Old World vulture (Family: Accipitridae) ranging across southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia from the Iberian Peninsula and eastern Atlas Mountains through the eastern Alps, Anatolia, Caucasus, and Arabian Peninsula to the Iranian plateau, Tian Shan, and Altai Mountains. Breeds colonially on cliff faces, crags, and rocky outcrops in mountainous terrain. Exhibits efficient soaring flight, expending only 1.43 times basal metabolic rate during flight, and uses its bald head for thermoregulation, adjusting bare skin exposure from 7% to 32% through postural changes. The species has one of the widest thermal neutral zones of any bird. Mostly resident, though populations in western Europe may make post-breeding dispersal movements.
Description
Large vulture measuring 93–122 cm (37–48 in) in length with a wingspan of 2.3–2.8 m (7 ft 7 in – 9 ft 2 in). Adults weigh 6.2–10.5 kg (14–23 lb) in the nominate race, with the Indian subspecies averaging 7.1 kg (16 lb); extreme recorded weights range from 4.5 to 15 kg (9.9–33.1 lb). Hatches naked, developing a white head and white neck ruff as it matures. Has broad wings, short tail feathers, and a yellow bill. Plumage features buff-colored body and wing coverts contrasting with dark flight feathers.
Identification
Large, bulky vulture with white head and neck ruff visible at close range. Buff-brown body contrasts prominently with dark flight feathers when banking or soaring. Broad wings with rounded tips and relatively short tail distinguish it from larger long-winged vulture species. In flight, the pale inner wing coverts create a two-toned wing pattern. Yellow bill visible on close approach. Confusion possible with other Gyps vultures; best distinguished by geographic location and wing proportions.
Distribution & Habitat
Resident populations occupy the Iberian Peninsula, eastern Atlas Mountains, eastern Alps, Anatolia, Caucasus, Arabian Peninsula, Iranian plateau, Tian Shan, and Altai Mountains. In Portugal, main breeding areas are in Douro International Natural Park, with post-breeding dispersal to Tagus Estuary and Cape St. Vincent. Croatian colonies on Cres island nest at low elevations including 10 m. Serbian population of 450–500 individuals centers on Zlatar mountain. Greece holds nearly 1,000 birds, with Crete supporting the world's largest insular population. Cyprus had fewer than 30 birds at Episkopi in 2006. German population died out in the mid-18th century; vagrants from Pyrenees reached Belgium and Germany in 2006–2007. Armenian population estimated at 46–54 breeding pairs.
Behavior & Ecology
Breeds colonially on cliff ledges, in caves, potholes, and sheltered crevices, laying a single egg. Prefers protected nest sites producing higher fledgling success; exposed ledges used only when population density increases. Forms loose colonies, sometimes up to 20 birds on Crete. Diet consists almost exclusively of carrion; occasionally kills weak or unhealthy living prey when carrion is scarce. Efficient soarer, returning to resting heart rate within ten minutes of flight. No age or sex differences in feeding rates; older adults more aggressive and dominant. Maximum recorded lifespan 41.4 years in captivity.
Conservation
IUCN assessment not specified in source. Main threat is poisoned baits set illegally by people, causing rapid population declines. Pyrenees population critically affected by European Commission ruling prohibiting carcass disposal in fields due to BSE concerns, reducing food availability and carrying capacity. Conservation efforts focus on public education about the lethal consequences of poisoned baits. Population trends vary regionally: slight increase in Armenia, established populations in Portugal, Croatia, Serbia, Greece, and Crete, while Cyprus population has declined to fewer than 30 birds.
Culture
No cultural or folklore information provided in the source.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Gyps
- eBird Code
- eurgri1
Subspecies (2)
-
Gyps fulvus fulvescens
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and northern India to Assam
-
Gyps fulvus fulvus
northwestern Africa and Iberian Peninsula to Middle East
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.