Gyps indicus
The Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) is a medium-sized Old World Vulture characterized by its pale, sandy-buffy body plumage contrasting with darker flight feathers. Adults measure approximately 80-103 cm (31-41 inches) in length, possess an impressive wingspan of 1.96-2.38 meters (6 ft 5 in - 7 ft 10 in), and weigh between 5.5-6.3 kg (12-14 lb). Its most distinctive field marks include a bald head and slender neck, a pale, somewhat greenish bill, and a dark ruff of feathers at the base of its n...
This species primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid open country, often frequenting areas with cliffs, ruins, and occasionally large trees or human-made structures for nesting and roosting. While typically found in lowlands, it can occur at elevations up to 2500 meters.
Indian Vultures are obligate scavengers, feeding almost exclusively on the carcasses of large mammals, particularly ungulates. They consume flesh, muscle, and offal, playing a vital role in natural waste disposal.
Indian Vultures are diurnal birds, spending much of their day soaring high on thermals in search of carrion. They typically roost communally on cliffs, large trees, or artificial structures, often descending to communal feeding sites when a carcass is located. Their foraging strategy relies on ex...
The historical range of the Indian Vulture spanned widely across the Indian subcontinent, encompassing much of central and peninsular India, with extensions into Pakistan and Nepal. Today, its distribution is severely fragmented and drastically reduced, primarily confined to isolated, small popul...
Critically Endangered
- The Indian Vulture experienced one of the most rapid and severe population declines ever recorded for any bird species, dropping by over 97% since the 1990s. - This catastrophic decline was primarily caused by poisoning from diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug given to livestock, which is let...