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Eurasian Griffon

Gyps fulvus

The Eurasian Griffon is a large bird with big wings and a fluffy neck. They soar high in the sky and are known for their impressive gliding skills. They help clean up the environment by eating dead animals.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Eurasian Griffon is a very large old-world vulture with a pale, downy head and a prominent white ruff of feathers around its neck. Its body plumage is sandy brown, contrasting with dark flight feathers, making it distinct from smaller, darker vultures.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusGyps
Eurasian Griffon
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgescavenger trait badgegliding trait badge
Eurasian Griffon

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A group of griffons feeding together is called a 'wake' – like a funeral gathering!

Griffons have strong talons, but they don't hunt; they only use them to hold onto carrion.

These vultures can fly higher than Mount Everest, reaching altitudes of over 11,000 meters!

They are nature's cleanup crew, eating dead animals that could otherwise spread diseases.

Special abilities

Ability

Soaring Master

Eurasian Griffon can glide for hours on thermal air currents because of its huge wingspan, saving massive amounts of energy.

Ability

Iron Stomach

Eurasian Griffon has extremely powerful stomach acids that help them digest decaying meat, preventing disease spread.

Ability

Keen-eyed Spotter

Eurasian Griffon has incredibly sharp eyesight that allows them to spot small carcasses from thousands of feet up.

Measurements & details

Length
93-122 cm
Wingspan
230-280 cm
Weight
6.2-11.5 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
48-54 days

Diet & Feeding

These large birds are vital scavengers, cleaning up the environment by eating only dead animals.

Primary Foods

  • large mammal carrion
  • wild boar carcasses
  • goat carcasses
  • sheep carcasses
  • cattle carcasses

Foraging Method

  • Scavenging

Ecological connections

depends on

Domestic Sheep

Ovis aries

Scavenges on carcasses of dead domestic sheep.

depends on

Iberian Ibex

Capra pyrenaica

Feeds on remains of wild goats in mountain regions.

symbiotic with

Grey Wolf

Canis lupus

Follows wolves to scavenge on their kills after they finish eating.

Traits

Also known as

Griffon Vulture

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and never try to touch or feed them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Eurasian Griffon?

93-122 cm

What is Eurasian Griffon's wingspan?

230-280 cm

How much does Eurasian Griffon weigh?

6.2-11.5 kg

How long does Eurasian Griffon live?

20-30 years

How fast can Eurasian Griffon move?

60 km/h

What does Eurasian Griffon eat?

These large birds are vital scavengers, cleaning up the environment by eating only dead animals.

Where is Eurasian Griffon usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Eurasian Griffon hunt?

Scavenging

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