Have you heard of the Hooded Vulture?
These vultures are part of the Accipitridae family and are an Old World vulture species.1 You can find them in countries that make up sub-Saharan Africa, usually at altitudes between 6,000 feet and 13,000 feet.2
Hooded Vultures have brown feathers, and they have white down feathers on the tops of their heads and down their necks – this is why they’re called Hooded Vultures. They stand between 24 and 28 inches tall, weigh 3 to almost 6 pounds, and have a wingspan of around 65 inches.3
These birds often live close to humans, where they’ll take advantage of garbage dumps and slaughterhouses to find food. They eat carrion, just like most other vultures.2&3
When it’s time to mate, Hooded Vultures will pair up and stay with the same mate. They will share responsibility for caring for offspring.2 Breeding season varies depending on where in the continent they live. For example, in West Africa, they’ll often breed from November to July, while in southern Africa, they’ll breed from May to December. Females lay one egg and both parents will incubate it for about two months. Even after the offspring fledges, they’ll stay with their parents for an additional several months.1
These birds are considered critically endangered – a label that has been given to them over a short span of time. They were listed as of Least Concern in 2000. They earned their new label in 2012.1&3
Most threats are:2&3
- Pesticides
- Hunting
- Use in traditional medicine
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