ExploreBirds

Palm-nut Vulture

Gypohierax angolensis

The Palm-nut Vulture is a special bird that loves to eat palm nuts! It has a unique look with a big beak and fluffy feathers. These birds are often seen soaring high in the sky.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Palm-nut Vulture has a striking appearance with its mostly white body and bold black flight feathers on its wings and tail. It features a bright, bare orange-red face and a sturdy yellow beak, making it look very different from most other vultures.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusGypohierax
Palm-nut Vulture
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Palm-nut Vulture

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It uses its strong, hooked beak to pluck oil palm fruits directly from trees.

These vultures sometimes build enormous nests, measuring over a meter wide, high in palm trees.

Unlike other vultures, its diet is mostly vegetarian, focusing on oil palm fruits!

Young Palm-nut Vultures are brown and don't get their white adult feathers until years later.

Special abilities

Ability

Palm Fruit Feast

Palm-nut Vulture can eat tough oil palm fruit because of its unique digestive system, helping it thrive where other vultures cannot.

Ability

Aquatic Hunter

Palm-nut Vulture can actively catch fish and crabs from water, an unusual skill for a vulture, helping it find diverse food.

Ability

Effortless Soarer

Palm-nut Vulture has broad, strong wings that help it soar effortlessly for hours, allowing it to scan vast areas for food.

Measurements & details

Length
45-60 cm
Wingspan
130-150 cm
Weight
1.3-1.7 kg
Lifespan
15-30 years
Top Speed
60 km/h
Clutch Size
1-2
Incubation
44-50 days

Diet & Feeding

Unlike most vultures, this unique bird primarily eats oil palm fruit, fish, and crabs!

Primary Foods

  • Oil palm fruit
  • Fish
  • Crabs
  • Small reptiles
  • Carrion

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

depends on

Oil Palm

Elaeis guineensis

Their primary food source is the fruit of this tree.

eats

Nile Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

They actively catch and eat various fish species.

eats

African Land Crab

Cardisoma armatum

They frequently prey on crabs found in coastal areas.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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 Palm-nut Vulture?

45-60 cm

What is Palm-nut Vulture's wingspan?

130-150 cm

How much does Palm-nut Vulture weigh?

1.3-1.7 kg

How long does Palm-nut Vulture live?

15-30 years

How fast can Palm-nut Vulture move?

60 km/h

What does Palm-nut Vulture eat?

Unlike most vultures, this unique bird primarily eats oil palm fruit, fish, and crabs!

Where is Palm-nut Vulture usually found?

Coastal areas

How does Palm-nut Vulture hunt?

Foraging

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