Class:Aves
Order:Accipitriformes(Accipitriformes)
Family:Accipitridae(Accipitridae)
The griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large bird of prey that can weigh up to 11 kilograms. Its wings are very broad and long, with a wingspan of up to three metres. It is not uncommon to see it flying in large concentric circles. During flight, the griffon vulture displays very prominent “fingers” on the tips of its wings, while its short tail is square-shaped. Its body and part of its wings are fawn-coloured, while its tail and flight feathers are dark. Its long neck is kept folded during flight, while when perched it assumes an upright posture with its head raised.
Habits and Diet
These animals spend a lot of time circling on their large wings, often at considerable heights, in search of food. They feed exclusively on the carcasses of dead animals, which they spot from above. When a griffon vulture descends to the ground because it has found food, the others circling nearby gather to feed, often forming large groups and performing the important function of natural “scavengers”. The mountainous terrain, characterised by wide open valleys and abundant semi-wild wildlife and domestic animals, is an ideal habitat for this species. They nest in colonies of many individuals on high, sheer rock faces. They can cover great distances during their lifetime, which lasts around 30-40 years.
Reproduction
Egg laying takes place between mid-January and early February, incubation lasts 52-58 days and the young remain in the nest for about 110-120 days. Only one egg is laid and the young reach sexual maturity at around 5-7 years of age.
