king vulture

The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large, vibrantly colored vulture found from Mexico to Paraguay. Its plumage is creamy white with black wings, rump, and tail, and its carunculate head and neck display scarlet, yellow, orange, and blue hues.1

Vultures, in general, are carrion-eating birds found primarily in tropical and subtropical regions. They are adapted to a scavenging lifestyle with features like bare heads to prevent feather matting and a throat pouch (crop) for storing food during lean times. While most vultures have strong beaks for tearing flesh, New World vultures have weak feet, unlike their Old World counterparts. The king vulture is noted for its striking coloration, distinguishing it among other vulture species.2