Cape Vulture
This bird can still be found in East and Southeast Africa, though its population is declining across these regions. Cape Vultures are primarily diurnal, often foraging for food in larger groups.
Lifestyle
This bird can also be found in East and Southeast Africa, although the population of these animals is declining everywhere here. Cape vultures are mainly active during the day, where they go out in larger groups to search for food. Here, both young animals with their parents, as well as pairs and bachelors, stay together. If there is enough food in an area, these colonies of vultures can be quite sedentary.
Diet
Individuals rarely leave the group, for example to return to their old colonies during the breeding season. These large groups have the advantage that food is found quickly by circling over their territory. Often, there can be turmoil when several vultures and vulture species compete for the same food. Furthermore, the animals are found in large numbers at watering holes, which is particularly common during the dry season.
Appearance
What are the most important features of the Cape vulture? As mentioned above, this vulture species belongs to the larger specimens. They can reach a body length of 100 centimeters. The wingspan is about 2.4 meters and the body weight can increase up to 9.5 kilograms. In most cases, the females of the Cape vulture are larger and heavier than the males. The plumage shows a dark brown to sandy brown coloration, with dark feathers forming spots in the feather coat. The head and the long neck of the vultures are largely free of feathers and have a brown to red or pink color. The strong beak of the vultures is usually black or dark brown and is strongly curved, which is advantageous when eating.
