Gyps himalayensis
The Himalayan Vulture, *Gyps himalayensis*, is a colossal Old World vulture and among the largest raptors, reaching impressive lengths of 115-150 cm (45-59 in), wingspans of 260-310 cm (8.5-10 ft), and weighing 8-12 kg (18-26 lbs). Adults display a pale, buffy-brown plumage, lighter on the head, neck, and underparts, contrasting with darker flight feathers and tail. A distinctive pale ruff of downy feathers encircles its bare, pale-grey head and neck, providing a key field mark. Juveniles are...
Predominantly an inhabitant of high-altitude mountainous regions, the Himalayan Vulture thrives in open country, rocky outcrops, and sheer cliff faces, typically found at elevations between 1,200 and 6,000 meters (4,000-20,000 feet).
The primary diet of the Himalayan Vulture consists almost exclusively of carrion, particularly the carcasses of large ungulates like yaks, bharal, and domestic livestock, which they locate while soaring at high altitudes.
Himalayan Vultures are quintessential diurnal scavengers, spending much of their day soaring on thermals, often at immense altitudes, searching for carcasses. They are highly social, frequently congregating in large numbers at feeding sites and communal roosts on sheltered cliff ledges, exhibitin...
The Himalayan Vulture's primary breeding range spans the formidable mountain ranges and high plateaus of Central Asia, including the Himalayas in northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, extending north into the Tibetan Plateau and other high ranges of China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,...
Least Concern
- The Himalayan Vulture is one of the largest and heaviest flying birds in the world, with some individuals weighing over 12 kg (26 lbs). - It is a record-holder for high-altitude flight, regularly soaring at elevations over 6,000 meters (20,000 feet) and occasionally observed above 8,000 meters ...