The King vulture is a large bird of prey from the New World family Cathartidae. This species is distinguishable from other vultures by its predominantly white body plumage, sharply contrasted by black flight feathers (remiges) and a striking, multi-colored head and neck. The bird’s head and neck are nearly bald, showing skin with red, orange, purple, and yellow hues, which are thought to play a role in thermoregulation and potentially in social interactions.

A conspicuous red ring surrounds the King vulture’s eyes, and its powerful beak, designed to tear through tough carcasses, ends in a sharp hook. The caruncle’s fleshy growth above its nostrils adds to its distinctive facial features and is particularly prominent in adult birds.

These birds are indeed kings regarding their range and dominance at a carcass. They are found across a wide geographic range in the Americas, from southern Mexico to Central America to northern Argentina. Their habitats include tropical lowland forests where they soar high above the canopy.

Contrary to popular belief and unlike some Old World vultures, the King vulture does not have a well-developed sense of smell. Instead, they rely on their keen eyesight to spot carrion from a great distance while in flight. They often observe the behavior of other scavenger species as an indicator of where a carcass might be located.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Argentina

2016

Belize

2016

Bolivia

2016

Brazil

2016

Colombia

2016

Costa Rica

2016

Ecuador

2016

El Salvador

2016

French Guiana

2016

Guatemala

2016

Guyana

2016

Honduras

2016

Mexico

2016

Nicaragua

2016

Panama

2016

Paraguay

2016

Peru

2016

Suriname

2016

Trinidad & Tobago

2016

Uruguay

2016

Breeding

Venezuela

2016