Birds
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos), Kgalagadi, South Africa (6526355327).jpg

Lappet-faced Vulture

Lappet-faced Vulture

100
-
Not yet spotted on Fladder
Spotted
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a massive and powerful Old World vulture, known for its enormous bill and distinctive fleshy folds, or 'lappets,' on its head. It is often the dominant vulture at a carcass, able to tear through tough hide.
Where to spot
Arid and semi-arid open country, savannas, and deserts across Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and parts of the Middle East.
How to spot
Look for its imposing size, mostly dark brown plumage, bare pinkish head with prominent fleshy folds (lappets) on the sides, and massive bill. Often seen soaring high or standing sentry on a prominent tree or rock.
When to spot
Year-round, active during daylight. Look for it soaring or at large carcasses, especially in wide open landscapes.
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos), Kgalagadi, South Africa (6526355327).jpg
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (33317710636).jpg
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (45647847905).jpg
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (45866060604).jpg
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (46561681481).jpg
File:Lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) in flight Kruger.jpg
File:Torgos tracheliotos 249027533.jpg
File:Torgos tracheliotos 288878816.jpg
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos), Kgalagadi, South Africa (6526355327).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (33317710636).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (45647847905).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (45866060604).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) (46561681481).jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) in flight Kruger.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torgos tracheliotos 249027533.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
File:Torgos tracheliotos 288878816.jpg
Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Its immense strength and large bill allow it to rip open carcasses that other, smaller vultures cannot, thereby making food accessible to others and playing a crucial 'opening' role in the vulture feeding hierarchy.
Loading...

Spotted

No recently spotted birds

Monthly observations

No observations
Loading...
Nothing spotted yet

Also interesting

File:Crested hawk-eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus).jpg
100

Changeable Hawk-Eagle

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Aquila rapax 440543675.jpg
100

Tawny Eagle

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Circaetus fasciolatus, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Kenya 1.jpg
100

Southern Banded Snake-Eagle

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Busardo mixto (Parabuteo unicinctus), Arcos de la Frontera, Cádiz, España, 2015-12-08, DD 06.jpg
100

Harris's Hawk

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
vogel, zeearend, vliegend
30

White-tailed Eagle

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus), immature female.jpg
100

Bateleur

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:SpilornisRufipectusGould.jpg
100

Sulawesi Serpent-Eagle

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Ictinia mississippiensis (Mississippi kite).jpg
100

Mississippi Kite

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Brahminy kite (Haliastur indus), Kuakata Eco-Park.jpg
100

Brahminy Kite

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
File:Tachyspiza erythropus - Lionel CASSET - 460654521.jpeg
100

Red-thighed Sparrowhawk

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites