Cathartes burrovianus
The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) is a medium-sized New World vulture, distinguished by its dark, glossy black plumage and a striking, unfeathered head that transitions from pale yellow to orange, often with greenish or bluish tinges around the eyes and nape. Averaging 53-65 cm (21-26 in) in length with a wingspan of 150-165 cm (59-65 in) and weighing 0.85-1.5 kg (1.9-3.3 lb), it is the smallest of the yellow-headed Cathartes vultures. In flight, it exhibits a character...
Primarily found in open, lowland habitats, favoring savannas, grasslands, marshes, and swamps, often in close proximity to water bodies. Typically occurs at elevations below 500 meters (1,640 feet).
Primarily a scavenger, feeding on carrion, with a preference for small to medium-sized carcasses, fish, or decaying organic matter found in wetland habitats. Occasionally consumes eggs or nestlings.
Lesser Yellow-headed Vultures are diurnal, beginning their foraging flights after the morning sun has created sufficient thermals, often roosting communally in tall trees or snags at night. Their foraging strategy heavily relies on an acute sense of smell, allowing them to detect the gases produc...
The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture has a widespread distribution across Central and South America. Its breeding range extends from southern Mexico through Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, continuing south through Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guian...
Least Concern
- The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture possesses one of the most acute senses of smell in the avian world, allowing it to detect carrion from great distances, even when hidden from sight. - It is the smallest of the three 'yellow-headed' Cathartes vultures, with the Turkey Vulture being its closest r...