Cinereous Vulture Bird Details
Aegypius monachus
Cinereous Vulture,Monk Vulture, Black Vulture;
Kaale Giddh
Carl Linnaeus, 1766
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Aegypius
Spain, Greece, Turkey, parts of Iran, Pakistan, India, Mongolia, and China.
Appearance :
The Cinereous Vulture is one of the largest vulture species. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown to black, with a distinctive white patch at the base of its wings and a ruff of feathers around its neck.
Behaviour :
These vultures are known for their soaring flight and can glide for hours without flapping their wings. They are social birds, often found in pairs or small groups. They rely heavily on thermals to stay aloft. The Cinereous Vulture is also known for its scavenging behavior, feeding primarily on carrion.
Habitat :
Cinereous Vultures prefer open and semi-open landscapes, such as mountains, steppe regions, and large forests. They are found in a variety of terrains, including cliffs and high-altitude regions, which provide them with good vantage points for spotting food.
Diet :
Their diet mainly consists of carrion, including the remains of large mammals and birds. They play an essential ecological role by helping to clean up dead animals, which can help prevent the spread of disease.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
This species is found across southern Europe, parts of the Middle East, and central and eastern Asia. Specific countries where Cinereous Vultures can be found include Spain, Greece, Turkey, Mongolia, and parts of China and India.
Population Size :
Between 10,000 to 20,000 individuals.
Life Span :
Live up to 30 years or more.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Cinereous Vulture is one of the largest vulture species with a robust body built for soaring. It has a dark, almost black plumage with a large wingspan and a distinctive neck ruff.
- Tarsus Length: The tarsus (the part of the leg between the knee and the foot) of the Cinereous Vulture typically measures around 8 to 11 cm (3.1 to 4.3 inches).
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is relatively small compared to the body, covered with sparse feathers, and features a pale face with a small, hooked beak.
- Bill : The bill is strong and hooked, adapted for tearing flesh from carrion.
- Bill Length: The bill length is approximately 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 inches).
Length :
From 85 to 110 cm (33 to 43 inches).
Neck :
The neck is relatively short and thick, covered with a ruff of feathers that gives it a distinctive appearance. The neck is often less prominent compared to the size of the bird's body.
Size :
The Cinereous Vulture is one of the largest vultures in the world.
Tail Details :
Tail: The tail is broad and relatively short, providing stability during flight. It is covered with dark feathers that blend with the rest of the body’s plumage.
Weight :
Between 6 to 14 kg (13 to 31 lbs)
Wing :
The wings are broad and long, adapted for soaring. They have a slightly rounded shape with long primary feathers that allow for efficient gliding and soaring.
Wing Span :
From 2.6 to 3.1 meters (8.5 to 10.2 feet
Facial Feature :
Cinereous Vultures have a relatively small, pale face compared to the size of their body. Their face is covered in sparse feathers, and they have a hooked beak.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Cinereous Vultures build large, sturdy nests that are usually placed on cliffs, in large trees, or on other high vantage points. The nests are often located in areas with minimal human disturbance.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is constructed from a variety of materials, including large sticks, branches, and sometimes even debris like animal bones and feathers. The inner lining is often softer, using materials such as grass, leaves, and wool.
Breeding Season :
Typically breeds between February and April
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are typically white or off-white with varying degrees of speckling or blotching in shades of brown or gray.
Egg Length :
Approximately 7.5 to 8.5 cm (2.95 to 3.35 inches) in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 6 to 6.8 cm (2.36 to 2.68 inches).
- Egg Weight: Each egg typically weighs between 190 to 250 grams (6.7 to 8.8 ounces).
Clutch Size :
The typical clutch size is 1 to 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Cinereous Vultures usually raise one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 50 to 55 days.
Nestling Period :
Lasts about 100 to 120 days.
Vocalization :
he vocalizations of Cinereous Vultures are generally harsh and croaky. They produce various sounds, including grunts and growls.
Sex Demorphism :
Females are generally larger and heavier than males.
Migration Details :
The migration patterns of the Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) are relatively complex and vary depending on the region.
- Central Asia: In central Asia, Cinereous Vultures exhibit partial migratory behavior. Birds from these regions may migrate seasonally to find suitable breeding grounds or food sources. They typically move between their breeding areas in the mountainous and steppe regions and wintering grounds in lower altitudes or more temperate areas.
- Southern and Eastern Europe: In these regions, some Cinereous Vultures may also migrate to lower elevations or different areas within their range during the winter months. However, many of these birds are resident and do not undertake long migrations.
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