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

Lappet-faced Vulture

Lappet-faced Vulture

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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.
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