Cinereous vulture

Largest soaring vulture in the sky with extremely broad wings that assists an important role in nature as “clean-up” team

Francesco Veronesi


Cinereous vulture

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

Largest soaring vulture in the sky with extremely broad wings that assists an important role in nature as “clean-up” team

Population 25,200 – 34,200

Cinereous Vulture is one of the most impressive birds of prey, with a stately demeanor and vast wingspan that can reach up to 3 meters (almost 10 feet), making it one of the largest flying birds in the world. This bird is adorned with dark, monochrome plumage, lending it the name ‘cinereous,’ which means ashen-colored, reflecting its somber and solemn appearance.

Inhabiting a range that stretches from southern Europe to Asia and parts of Africa, Cinereous Vultures are adapted to life in varied terrains. They favor forested hills and mountains but are also found in scrublands, arid and semi-arid steppes, and open grasslands. These environments provide the expansive open areas needed for their foraging activities and the secluded spots required for nesting.

Cinereous Vultures exhibit remarkable adaptability in their nesting habits. Their nests are constructed with sticks and vegetation, often in tall trees that offer a vantage point and protection or on rocky outcrops in more arid regions. They tend to form loose colonies, a social structure that provides numerous advantages, including increased vigilance against predators and communal information sharing about food sources.

Their diet is predominantly composed of carrion, and they play a critical ecological role as scavengers. They help in the natural process of decomposition by consuming dead animal matter, thus preventing the spread of diseases. These vultures have powerful beaks capable of tearing through tough skin and muscle, allowing them to access the nutritious parts of carcasses that many other scavengers cannot reach.

The flight of the Cinereous Vulture is a display of sheer majesty and grace. They are known to stay aloft for hours, utilizing thermal currents to soar through the sky with minimal effort. When foraging, they can cover vast distances, and upon locating a carcass, their descent can attract other vultures from miles away.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2020
Albania
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Algeria
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Armenia
2020
Austria
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Azerbaijan
2020
Bangladesh
2020
Non-Breeding
Belarus
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Bhutan
2020
Non-Breeding
Bosnia And Herz.
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Bulgaria
2020
Cambodia
2020
Non-Breeding
China
2020
Croatia
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Cyprus
2020
Czechia
2020
Egypt
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
France
2020
Reintroduced
Georgia
2020
Germany
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Gibraltar
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Greece
2020
Hungary
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
India
2020
Non-Breeding
Iran
2020
Iraq
2020
Israel
2020
Non-Breeding
Italy
2020
Non-Breeding
Japan
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Jordan
2020
Non-Breeding
Kazakhstan
2020
Korea
2020
Non-Breeding
Kuwait
2020
Non-Breeding
Kyrgyzstan
2020
Latvia
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Lebanon
2020
Non-Breeding
Malaysia
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Moldova
0
Official estimate
EX
2020
Extinct locally
Mongolia
2020
Montenegro
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Morocco
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Myanmar
2020
Non-Breeding
Nepal
2020
Non-Breeding
Netherlands
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
North Korea
2020
Non-Breeding
North Macedonia
2020
Breeding
Oman
2020
Non-Breeding
Pakistan
2020
Poland
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Portugal
2020
Romania
0
Official estimate
EX
2020
Extinct locally
Russia
2020
Saudi Arabia
2020
Non-Breeding
Serbia
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Slovakia
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Slovenia
2020
Spain
1,500 pairs
Official estimate
NT
2020
Sudan
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Switzerland
2020
Non-Breeding
Syria
2020
Non-Breeding
Taiwan
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Tajikistan
2020
Thailand
2020
Non-Breeding
Tunisia
2020
Seasonality Uncertain
Turkey
2020
Turkmenistan
2020
Ukraine
2020
Uzbekistan
2020
Vietnam
2020
Non-Breeding
Yemen
2020
Seasonality Uncertain

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No