ExploreBirds

King Vulture

Sarcoramphus papa

The King Vulture is a colorful bird known for its bright feathers and large size. It helps keep nature clean by eating dead animals, making it an important part of the ecosystem.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The King Vulture has a striking appearance with a largely creamy-white body and contrasting black flight feathers. Its bald head boasts vibrant skin in shades of orange, yellow, red, and blue, crowned with a distinctive orange wattle above its powerful beak, making it easily distinguishable.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyCathartidaeGenusSarcoramphus
King Vulture
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgescavenger trait badgecolorful trait badge
King Vulture

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Baby king vultures are born with dark feathers and a fuzzy, dull gray head.

King Vultures can soar so high they sometimes fly above the clouds!

Their name comes from a legend that they are the kings and queens of other vultures!

They often help smaller vultures by using their strong beaks to open large, tough carcasses.

Special abilities

Ability

Eagle Eyes

King Vultures can spot small carcasses from incredible heights because of their keen eyesight, helping them find food efficiently.

Ability

Powerful Ripper

King Vultures have a strong, hooked beak that helps them tear open the tough hides of large animals to reach their meal.

Ability

Soaring Master

King Vultures can ride warm air currents for hours without flapping their wings, saving energy while searching vast areas for food.

Measurements & details

Length
71-80 cm
Wingspan
170-200 cm
Weight
2.7-4.5 kg
Lifespan
20-30 years
Top Speed
50 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
53-58 days

Diet & Feeding

These vultures are nature's clean-up crew, primarily eating the carrion (dead animals) they find.

Primary Foods

  • carrion
  • dead mammals
  • dead reptiles
  • dead fish

Foraging Method

  • Scavenging

Ecological connections

depends on

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

for opening large carcasses with tough hides.

eats

Lowland Tapir

Tapirus terrestris

carrion of dead tapirs when available.

eats

Spectacled Caiman

Caiman crocodilus

carrion of dead caimans found in its range.

eats

Collared Peccary

Pecari tajacu

carrion of dead peccaries from natural causes.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is King Vulture?

71-80 cm

What is King Vulture's wingspan?

170-200 cm

How much does King Vulture weigh?

2.7-4.5 kg

How long does King Vulture live?

20-30 years

How fast can King Vulture move?

50 km/h

What does King Vulture eat?

These vultures are nature's clean-up crew, primarily eating the carrion (dead animals) they find.

Where is King Vulture usually found?

Forests

How does King Vulture hunt?

Scavenging

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Where to spot

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