white-headed vulture

The white-headed vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) is a large Old World vulture, measuring about 80 cm (31 inches) long with a wingspan of approximately 1.8 meters (6 feet). It is characterized by its black plumage with white secondary wing feathers and belly, a high black neck fringe, and a massive red beak. Uniquely, it has a triangular head that is pale yellowish and bare, except for a cap of white down.1

Vultures, in general, are large, carrion-eating birds found predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. They are classified into two families: Accipitridae (Old World vultures) and Cathartidae (New World vultures). Many species have bare heads to prevent feathers from becoming matted with blood when feeding inside carcasses. They possess a large throat pouch (crop) that allows them to go for extended periods without food, an adaptation to their scavenging lifestyle. Vultures have well-developed eyesight, and some, like the turkey vulture, also have a keen sense of smell for locating food.12