Griffon vulture | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
Gyps fulvus |
It breeds on crags in mountains in southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia, laying one egg. Griffons may form loose colonies. The population is mostly resident.
Like other Vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas. It often moves in flocks.
Griffon is a typical vulture, with a white bald head, very broad wings, short tail and a 2.5m wingspan. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers
This vulture grunts and hisses at roosts or when feeding on carrion.