Why do vultures have weaker feet than hunting raptors?

Vultures have weaker feet compared to other hunting raptors because they do not rely on their feet to kill prey. While most falconiforms use their feet as their primary means of capturing and killing prey—requiring strong, sharp talons to grasp or paralyze animals—vultures primarily feed on carrion.12

Because vultures seldom or never kill live prey, they lack the long, sharp talons and the heavy, muscular foot structure necessary for hunting. Instead, their physical adaptations are specialized for soaring and scavenging, such as broad wings for efficient gliding and keen eyesight or smell for locating food sources.123