ExploreBirds

White-Backed Vulture

gyps africanus

The White-Backed Vulture is a magnificent bird that soars high in the sky! With its impressive wingspan, it can spot food from miles away.

Habitat: Open grasslands and savannas in Africa.

Appearance

The White-Backed Vulture is a medium-sized scavenger, predominantly dark brown with striking white downy feathers on its lower back, visible in flight. It has a bare, greyish-black neck and head, contrasting with its dark body plumage. Its broad wings and short tail are typical of a soaring raptor.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyAccipitridaeGenusGyps
White-Backed Vulture
social trait badgedecomposer trait badgecarnivorous trait badgediurnal trait badge
White-Backed Vulture

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

A circling group of vultures is surprisingly called a 'kettle'!

Their bald heads prevent messy feathers while they are feeding on carcasses.

These vultures can safely eat bacteria-filled meat that would harm other animals!

They often follow lions and other predators to finish off their leftovers.

Special abilities

Ability

Thermal Navigator

White-Backed Vulture can ride invisible columns of warm air because this helps them soar effortlessly for hours without flapping.

Ability

Eagle-Eyed Scavenger

White-Backed Vulture has incredibly sharp vision that helps them spot tiny food sources from very high altitudes.

Ability

Clean-Up Crew

White-Backed Vulture can efficiently strip carcasses clean because their strong beaks and stomach acids help keep ecosystems healthy.

Measurements & details

Length
78-90 cm
Wingspan
196-226 cm
Weight
4.2-7.2 kg
Lifespan
19-20 years
Top Speed
70 km/h
Clutch Size
1
Incubation
56-58 days

Diet & Feeding

These incredible birds eat mostly dead animals, helping keep the savannas clean and healthy!

Primary Foods

  • large mammal carcasses
  • smaller animal carcasses
  • predator leftovers

Foraging Method

  • Scavenging

Ecological connections

depends on

Lion

Panthera leo

follows to scavenge predator kills

eats

Wildebeest

Connochaetes taurinus

feeds on their deceased bodies

symbiotic with

Spotted Hyena

Crocuta crocuta

competes for carrion at kill sites

shelters

Umbrella Thorn Acacia

Vachellia tortilis

builds nests in its sturdy branches

Traits

Also known as

African VultureGyps VultureWhite-Back Vulture

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is White-Backed Vulture?

78-90 cm

What is White-Backed Vulture's wingspan?

196-226 cm

How much does White-Backed Vulture weigh?

4.2-7.2 kg

How long does White-Backed Vulture live?

19-20 years

How fast can White-Backed Vulture move?

70 km/h

What does White-Backed Vulture eat?

These incredible birds eat mostly dead animals, helping keep the savannas clean and healthy!

Where is White-Backed Vulture usually found?

Open grasslands and savannas in Africa.

How does White-Backed Vulture hunt?

Scavenging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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