Bearded Vulture Bird Details

Gypaetus barbatus
Bearded Vulture
Kala Giddh
Carl Linnaeus, 1758
Accipitriformes (HAWKS, EAGLES and KITES)
Accipitridae
Gypaetus

Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Greece, Turkey, India, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Ethiopia and South Africa.

Appearance :
Adults have a distinctive appearance with a pale head, a black "beard" (which is actually a tuft of feathers), and a dark chest and belly. They have a striking, almost iridescent reddish-brown body. Juveniles typically darker and lack the characteristic beard; they gradually develop the adult plumage over several years.
Behaviour :
The Bearded Vulture is known for its unique feeding behavior, primarily eating bone. It has a specialized digestive system that allows it to extract nutrients from bones. Generally solitary or found in pairs. They can be seen soaring at high altitudes.
Habitat :
Prefers mountainous regions with rocky cliffs and open spaces. It is often found in areas with high elevations and rugged terrain.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on bones, which it drops from great heights to crack them open and access the marrow. It also occasionally eats small mammals, birds, and carrion.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
Found across mountainous regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Specific regions include the Pyrenees in Spain and France, the Alps in Central Europe, the Himalayas, and parts of Eastern Africa.
Population Size :
Estimated global population is between 1,500 to 2,500 mature individuals.
Life Span :
Live up to around 40 years.
Body And Tarsus:
  1. The Bearded Vulture's body is specially adapted to its ecological niche, allowing it to excel in its role as a scavenger in rugged, mountainous environments.
  2. Tarsus Length: Approximately 10 to 13 cm (3.9 to 5.1 inches). 
Head And Bill :
  1. Head: Large with a distinctive appearance due to the “beard” of black feathers on the chin. The head is relatively large compared to the body, aiding in the bird's predatory lifestyle.
  2. Bill: Strong, hooked, and well-adapted for tearing into carcasses and bones. Bill Length is approximately 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 inches).
Length :
Typically between 80 to 115 cm (31 to 45 inches) from beak to tail.
Neck :
Short and strong, supporting the large head and bill, which is crucial for its scavenging lifestyle.
Size :
The Bearded Vulture is a large bird of prey with a robust and sturdy build.
Tail Details :

Tail: Long and wedge-shaped, about 30 to 40 cm (12 to 16 inches) in length, which aids in precise aerial maneuvering.

Weight :
Ranges from 5.5 to 7.5 kg (12 to 16.5 lbs) in females and 4.5 to 6.5 kg (10 to 14.3 lbs) in males.
Wing :
Broad and long with rounded tips, aiding in soaring and gliding.
Wing Span :
About 2.6 to 2.9 meters (8.5 to 9.5 feet).
Facial Feature :
Bearded Vultures are notable for their distinctive facial features, including a large, hooked beak and a prominent "beard" of bristle-like feathers that give the species its name.
Nest Details :
  1. Nest: Large and bulky, often placed on high, inaccessible cliff ledges or in large trees.
  2. Nest Construction: Made up of sticks, bones, and other large materials. The nests are often lined with fresh green vegetation or smaller twigs.
Breeding Season :
Generally from January to April.
Nesting Season :
Nesting typically starts in late winter to early spring.
Egg Color :
The eggs of the Bearded Vulture are usually white or pale, often with a speckled or blotchy appearance.
Egg Length :
The eggs measure approximately 85–90 mm in length.
Egg Width and Weight :
  1. Egg Width: The width of the eggs is about 60–65 mm.
  2. Egg Weight: Each egg weighs approximately 200–250 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically, the clutch size is 1 to 2 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Bearded Vultures generally have one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 50–55 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period, is around 100–120 days.
Vocalization :
Their vocalizations include a range of high-pitched whistles and grunts, often used during interactions between mates or between parents and their chicks.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are generally slightly smaller than females.
Migration Details :

It is generally resident within its range but may undertake local movements or dispersals depending on food availability and environmental conditions.

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