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Gyps rueppelli

Gyps rueppelli

The Rüppell's griffon vulture is a large bird that soars high in the sky. It has a beautiful, fluffy neck and a wide wingspan, making it a spectacular sight as it glides over mountains and valleys.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Gyps rueppelli is a large, shaggy-necked vulture with dark brown feathers and a pale, downy head. Its light underparts contrast with darker flight feathers, and it has a pale, horn-colored bill, making it look different from other dark vultures.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusGyps
Gyps rueppelli
feathered trait badgescavenger trait badgemountain trait badgelongevous trait badge
Gyps rueppelli

Category

Birds

Rarity

Rare

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Rüppell's vultures build large stick nests on dangerous, inaccessible cliff faces.

Sometimes hundreds of these vultures gather at one big meal together!

Their powerful beaks are perfect for tearing tough hide off of dead animals.

These vultures can soar for hours without flapping their wings, saving energy!

Special abilities

Ability

Sky Sentinel

Gyps rueppelli can fly over 11 kilometers high, allowing them to spot meals across vast African landscapes.

Ability

Germ Buster

Gyps rueppelli has super strong stomach acid that destroys deadly bacteria found in rotting carcasses they eat.

Ability

Bone Chomper

Gyps rueppelli can digest small bone fragments, thanks to specialized enzymes, leaving very little waste behind.

Measurements & details

Length
90-110 cm
Wingspan
260-280 cm
Weight
6.4-9 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Top Speed
35 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
55-60 days

Diet & Feeding

These vultures are nature's clean-up crew, feasting on dead animals to keep the environment healthy.

Primary Foods

  • Carrion
  • Wildebeest
  • Zebra
  • Antelope

Foraging Method

  • Scavenging

Ecological connections

eats

Blue Wildebeest

Connochaetes taurinus

Consumes carcasses of these common African grazers.

eats

Plains Zebra

Equus quagga

Feeds on dead zebras, especially after migrations.

eats

Thomson's Gazelle

Gazella thomsonii

Scavenges smaller dead gazelles, aiding ecosystem cleanup.

symbiotic with

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

Competes for carrion but both help clear carcasses.

eaten by

Verreaux's Eagle

Aquila verreauxii

Eggs and young chicks can be prey for this powerful bird.

Traits

Also known as

Rüppell's griffon vulture

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and never try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Gyps rueppelli?

90-110 cm

What is Gyps rueppelli's wingspan?

260-280 cm

How much does Gyps rueppelli weigh?

6.4-9 kg

How long does Gyps rueppelli live?

20-30 years

How fast can Gyps rueppelli move?

35 km/h

What does Gyps rueppelli eat?

These vultures are nature's clean-up crew, feasting on dead animals to keep the environment healthy.

Where is Gyps rueppelli usually found?

Mountain regions

How does Gyps rueppelli hunt?

Scavenging

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Where to spot

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