Scientific Name:
Neophron percnopterus
Distribution
Southern Europe, northern Africa and south western Asia
Diet:
Opportunist. Mainly carrion, also alive insects, larvae, frogs, lizards and tortoises. Also frequents dumpsites.
Facts
Habitat: From mountains to semi desert, nests in cliffs and rocky slopes.
Incubation: 39-45 days / 2 eggs
Social structure: solitary, pairs, groups at feeding sites or communal night roosts.
Weight: 1.6-2.4kg
Dimensions: Length 54-70cm, wing span 1.46-1.75m
Lifespan: up to 37 under human care
Estimated population in the wild: 12,400-36,000
Threats: Disturbance, direct and secondary poisoning, electrocution (by powerlines), collisions with wind turbines, reduced food availability, habitat change.
IUCN Status: Endangered
Did you know that:
- Their status in Greece is Critically Endangered as their population has declined by 44-60% over the last 30 years. The Balkan population is less than 90 pairs.
- In ancient Egypt it was the sacred bird Isis Goddess and was revered as a symbol of motherhood.
- In Greek mythology, Zeus transformed Aegypius and Neophron into vultures: a Bearded Vulture, and an Egyptian Vulture. This became the source of the Egyptian Vulture's Latin name, Neophron percnopterus.
- The bird is well-known for its intelligence. it’s the only bird of prey to use tools (stones to break ostrich eggs).
- It is the only migratory vulture in Europe
- The thin beak is perfectly adapted to catch the small pieces of leftover meat on carcasses from other vultures.