LAPPET-FACED VULTURE
IUCN status: Vulnerable
Size:
Height: 95–115cm
Wingspan: 2.5–2.9m
Weight: 4.5–9.4kg (Arabian race heavier)
Description:
Huge and powerful-looking, upright stance; head square and pink/red, with big bill and ‘lappets’ of loose skin; black/brown upperparts; prominent white leggings; in flight, broad wings and short tail; white leggings and forearms conspicuous against dark underparts.
Behaviour:
Usually solitary or in pairs; aggressive and dominant over other species at carcasses; may take live prey; often soars low; makes prominent nest in small isolated tree.
Where:
Savannah to semi-desert; widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and into Arabia.
