vulture: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

Nov. 4, 2026

News •

Bird flu threatens the world’s vultures – and the consequences could spread • Oct. 28, 2026, 11:29 AM ET (Earth.com)

'Silent' vultures turn out to use a wide range of sounds to communicate • Oct. 21, 2026, 2:00 PM ET (Phys.org)

Photos and Videos

A spotted hyena, Crocuta crocuta, stands in dry grass and chases away several vultures from a carcass.

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) in flight with wings spread, showing black feathers and white wingtips against a blue sky.

Andean condor (Vultur gryphus)

king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

Close-up of a bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) with orange and white feathers and a hooked beak, seen in Switzerland.

vultures feeding on a gnu carcass

King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa).

Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura).

Various vulture species of Bulgaria's hidden corners

How griffon vultures find food

Discover how scavengers prevent illnesses caused by microbes and other pathogens that inhabit the carcasses they consume

See All Videos and Images →

Topics

Cathartidae Aegypiinae condor Why do vultures circle?turkey vulture lammergeier Teratornis incredibilis falconiform buzzard What are the differences between hawks and falcons?

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