A large, powerful bird of prey once considered one of the most common raptors in South Asia. True to its name, it is easy to identify by the bright patch of white feathers on its lower back, which stands out against its otherwise dark body when in flight. It has a bald head and neck—like most vultures—adapted for hygiene while feeding on carcasses, and broad wings that allow it to soar high for hours with barely a flap. Unlike many other vultures that are widespread across continents, the White-rumped vulture has always been closely tied to human settlements in India, Nepal, and surrounding countries, where it took advantage of open plains, villages, and farmlands that provided plentiful food.
What sets this vulture apart from its cousins is not just its appearance but also its role in history. For centuries, the White-rumped vulture was the most abundant large bird of prey in the world. Their incredible eyesight allowed them to detect carrion from miles away, and when a carcass was found, dozens or even hundreds of vultures would gather, stripping it clean in minutes. This efficient service protected people and livestock by preventing the spread of diseases that thrive in rotting meat. Few other vulture species ever reached such high numbers in one region, making this bird uniquely important among scavengers.
Sadly, the story of the White-rumped vulture also shows how quickly a common animal can become rare. In the 1990s, populations collapsed by more than 95% in just a decade. The cause was the veterinary drug diclofenac, used to treat cattle. Vultures feeding on carcasses of treated animals died of kidney failure, leading to one of the fastest and steepest bird declines ever recorded.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Bhutan
Brunei
Cambodia
China
Official estimate
India
Iran
Laos
Malaysia
Official estimate
Myanmar
Nepal
Pakistan
Russia
Thailand
VietnamAnything we've missed?
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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
