Egyptian Vulture
Neophron percnopterus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Egyptian Vulture is a striking bird with predominantly white plumage contrasted by black flight feathers. Its wedge-shaped tail and bare, yellow face with a slender, hooked bill are distinctive features. Adults have a body length of 55-65 cm and a 155-170 cm wingspan.
Juveniles display darker plumage, gradually acquiring the adult's white colouration over several years. Females are sometimes marginally larger in length than males, usually between 10 and 15 percent heavier.
Size
Length
55cm to 65cm
Wingspan
155cm to 170cm
Weight
1.6kg to 2.4kg
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
White
Secondary Colour
Black Brown
Beak Colour
Yellow Grey
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Egyptian Vultures inhabit various arid and semi-arid habitats, including savannahs, grasslands, and mountainous areas. They are found across southern Europe, northern Africa, and parts of Asia, extending to the Indian subcontinent.
In Europe, breeding populations are present in Spain, Italy, and Greece. During winter, many birds migrate to sub-Saharan Africa, while some populations in warmer regions remain resident year-round.
In 2021, an Egyptian vulture was spotted in the Scilly Isles off the southwestern coast of England: it was the first sighting of the species in the UK since 1868.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Climate zones
Arid, Mediterranean, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Egyptian Vulture. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Egyptian Vulture demonstrates remarkable agility in flight, with its ability to soar effortlessly on thermals and perform aerial acrobatics during courtship. Its adept use of tools to crack open ostrich eggs also indicates a high level of dexterity.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong compared to larger vulture species, the Egyptian Vulture possesses moderate strength. Its ability to carry stones for egg-breaking and to handle various food items suggests a reasonable level of physical power for its size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Egyptian Vultures show exceptional adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats from sea level to 4,500 metres. Their varied diet, including carrion, small live prey, eggs, and even faeces, coupled with their tool-using behaviour, demonstrates remarkable adaptability to different food sources and environmental challenges.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally, Egyptian Vultures are not particularly aggressive birds. They are often solitary or found in pairs, and while they may gather at feeding sites, they typically do not exhibit highly aggressive behaviour. Their scavenging lifestyle suggests a more opportunistic than aggressive nature.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
The Egyptian Vulture's ability to soar for extended periods and undertake long-distance migrations indicates good endurance. Their wide-ranging habitat, from southern Europe to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, suggests they can withstand various climatic conditions. However, they are not known for exceptional feats of endurance compared to some other migratory species.
Diet
Egyptian Vultures are opportunistic scavengers with a diverse diet. They feed on carrion, small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Uniquely, they also consume eggs, faeces, and rotting fruit.
Their ability to break open eggs using stones showcases their adaptability and intelligence in foraging.
Behaviour
Egyptian Vultures are often seen soaring on thermals, using their keen eyesight to locate food. They exhibit remarkable tool-use behaviour, using stones to crack open ostrich eggs.
These birds are generally solitary or found in pairs but may gather in small groups at feeding sites or during migration.
Vocalisation
Egyptian Vultures are generally quiet birds. When vocalising, they produce a variety of weak, high-pitched calls. These include a raspy 'krak-krak' during courtship and a soft, wheezing sound when interacting at feeding sites. Nestlings emit a hissing 'seeep' when begging for food.
Nesting & Breeding
Egyptian Vultures form monogamous pairs and breed annually. The breeding season typically begins in March or April, with courtship displays including aerial acrobatics and mutual preening.
Nests are built on cliff ledges or occasionally in trees, using sticks lined with softer materials. Females usually lay two eggs, which are white with reddish-brown spots.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 42 days. Chicks fledge after 70-85 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
The Egyptian Vulture is listed as Endangered due to rapid population declines. Major threats include poisoning, electrocution by power lines, and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts focus on reducing poisoning incidents, protecting nesting sites, and raising awareness about their ecological importance.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for their distinctive white plumage and black wing tips in flight
- Scan open areas and near refuse sites where they often forage
- Observe their unique egg-breaking behaviour if near ostrich habitats
- In Europe, watch for them in southern Spain and Greece during the summer months
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
White Scavenger Vulture, Pharaoh's Chicken
Family:
AccipitridaeAverage Lifespan
20 to 30 years
Predators
Adult Egyptian Vultures have few natural predators, but eggs and chicks are vulnerable to ravens, eagles, and climbing mammals like genets or martens.
Did You Know?
- Egyptian Vultures are one of the few tool-using birds, using stones to break open ostrich eggs.
- Their specialised digestive system allows them to consume rotting flesh without getting sick.
- Ancient Egyptians revered these birds, often depicting them in hieroglyphics as symbols of royalty.
References
- 1 2 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Neophron percnopterus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22695180A205187871.
View source
Share Your Feedback
We value your opinion! Let us know what you think about this bird page.