Bearded Vulture

gypaetus barbatus

The Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier, is a majestic raptor renowned for its highly specialized diet, primarily consisting of bone marrow. Unlike most vultures that feed on flesh, this species has evolved a unique strategy to consume bones, earning it the nickname "bone breaker." These magnificent birds play a crucial ecological role as nature's clean-up crew in high-altitude environments, efficiently disposing of carrion and preventing the spread of disease. Their striking appearance, coupled with their incredible ability to thrive in harsh mountain landscapes, makes them a truly captivating and important member of avian fauna.

Habitat: Found in rugged, high-altitude mountain ranges, typically near cliffs, gorges, and remote alpine pastures, where they can find suitable rocky terrain for dropping bones and nesting.

Appearance

The Bearded Vulture is a large, imposing raptor with a distinctive appearance. Adults feature a rusty orange or yellowish-white head and underparts, often stained with iron oxides from mud-bathing. A black "beard" of bristles extends from under its beak, giving it its common name. The back and wings are dark grey to black, contrasting sharply with its lighter underside. It possesses powerful talons and a strong, hooked beak. In flight, its long, broad wings and long, wedge-shaped (diamond-shaped) tail are highly characteristic, distinguishing it from other vultures.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusGypaetus

Bearded Vulture

Interesting facts

Bearded Vultures are the only known birds to have a diet that consists almost entirely of bone marrow, which they access by dropping bones from heights of 50-150 meters.

Historically, they were wrongly accused of carrying off lambs and even children, leading to widespread persecution and their extermination in many European regions by the early 20th century.

Their stomach acid is incredibly strong, allowing them to digest bone fragments that other animals cannot, making them the ultimate 'clean-up crew' of the mountains.

These vultures can live for over 40 years in captivity, a testament to their longevity and resilience.

Special abilities

The Bearded Vulture is a specialized osteophage, feeding almost exclusively on bones. It carries large bones high into the air and drops them onto rocks below, shattering them into smaller, digestible pieces to access the marrow.

Adult birds intentionally rub mud rich in iron oxides onto their chest and head feathers, staining them a reddish-orange hue. This behaviour is thought to be a display of dominance or a form of camouflage.

Equipped with long, broad wings and a lightweight skeleton, the Bearded Vulture is an exceptional glider, capable of soaring effortlessly on thermals at extreme altitudes in mountainous environments with minimal energy expenditure.

Measurements & details

Length: 95-125 cm
Wingspan: 250-300 cm
Weight: 4.5-7.8 kg
Lifespan: 20-45 years
Top Speed: 100 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-2
Incubation: 53-58 days

Diet & Feeding

The Bearded Vulture has a highly specialized diet, consuming mainly bones and bone marrow from carcasses, rather than the flesh. They also eat small fragments of meat, ligaments, and skin.

Primary Foods

bones
bone marrow
carrion (small fragments)
ligaments
skin

Foraging Method

Foraging, Scavenging

Ecological connections

prey source

Alpine Ibex

Capra ibex

Main source of bones for consumption

prey source

Chamois

Rupicapra rupicapra

Main source of bones for consumption

competitor

Griffon Vulture

Gyps fulvus

Competitor for larger carcasses and carrion

competitor

Common Raven

Corvus corax

Competitor for small carrion, may also scavenge on bone fragments

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Bearded Vulture?

The easiest way to identify Bearded Vulture is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Bearded Vulture?

95-125 cm

What is Bearded Vulture's wingspan?

250-300 cm

How much does Bearded Vulture weigh?

4.5-7.8 kg

How long does Bearded Vulture live?

20-45 years

How fast can Bearded Vulture move?

100 km/h

What does Bearded Vulture eat?

The Bearded Vulture has a highly specialized diet, consuming mainly bones and bone marrow from carcasses, rather than the flesh. They also eat small fragments of meat, ligaments, and skin.

Where is Bearded Vulture usually found?

Found in rugged, high-altitude mountain ranges, typically near cliffs, gorges, and remote alpine pastures, where they can find suitable rocky terrain for dropping bones and nesting.