cinereous vulture

bird

Also known as: Aegypius monachus, black vulture

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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The cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a large vulture with entirely dark brown plumage. It is found from southern Europe and northern Africa eastward to northern India and China. This species is considered one of the largest flying birds, with some scientists regarding it as the largest vulture and bird of prey. It measures about 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length, weighs approximately 12.5 kg (27.5 pounds), and has a wingspan of about 2.7 meters (8.9 feet). The cinereous vulture nests in tall trees. Vultures, in general, are carrion-eating birds found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are adapted to a scavenging lifestyle with features like bare heads to prevent feathers from matting with blood and a crop for storing food.12

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vulture
Old World vultures
The cinereous vulture, sometimes called the black vulture (Aegypius monachus), is one of the largest flying birds. Many scientists consider this bird to be the largest vulture and the largest bird of prey. It is about 1 metre (3.3 feet) long and 12.5 kg (27.5 pounds)…
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The cinereous vulture, sometimes called the black vulture (Aegypius monachus), is one of the largest flying birds. Many scientists consider this bird to be the largest vulture and the largest bird of prey. It is about 1 metre (3.3 feet) long and 12.5 kg (27.5 pounds)…
Read More