King Vulture

The King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a striking bird, large and predominantly white, with a slight rose-yellow tinge to its plumage. Contrasting with its white body are its dark grey to black ruff, flight, and tail feathers. The head and neck are bald, revealing skin in hues of yellow, orange, blue, purple, and red. A distinctive orange fleshy caruncle adorns its beak, becoming fully formed by its fourth year.

Identification Tips

Adult King Vultures boast a white plumage with a rose-yellow cast, while the wing coverts, flight feathers, and tail are a stark dark grey to black. The head and neck are featherless, with colorful skin and a notable golden crest on the cere. The bill is orange and black, hooked at the tip with a sharp cutting edge. The bird's eyes are white with bright red sclera. Juveniles are slate grey overall, gradually molting into adult plumage over five to six years.

Habitat

This vulture favors tropical lowland forests, savannas, and grasslands with nearby forests. It is often found near swamps or marshy areas within the forest.

Distribution

The King Vulture ranges from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, avoiding the Andes except in certain regions. It does not typically live above 1,500 meters, although it has been recorded at altitudes up to 3,300 meters.

Behaviour

The King Vulture soars with grace, wings held flat with slightly raised tips. It is generally solitary or found in small family groups, perching inconspicuously in trees with its head lowered and thrust forward. It can live up to 30 years in captivity, with one individual known to be over 47 years old.

Song & Calls

This vulture lacks a voice box but can emit low croaking and wheezing sounds during courtship, as well as bill-snapping noises when threatened.

Breeding

King Vultures mate for life, laying a single white egg in a tree hollow. Both parents incubate the egg for 52 to 58 days. The chick is semi-altricial, alert from the second day, and begins to explore and take first flights around three months of age.

Diet and Feeding

A scavenger, the King Vulture feeds on a variety of carrion, from cattle carcasses to beached fish. It has a strong bill that allows it to make the initial cut into fresh carcasses, providing access to other vultures. It has also been observed eating fallen fruit when carrion is scarce.

Conservation status

The King Vulture is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though its numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss and poaching. Its elusive nature makes it difficult to monitor effectively.

Relationship with Humans

The King Vulture holds a place in Mayan mythology as a messenger between humans and the gods. Its blood and feathers were historically used in medicine, and it is a popular figure on stamps and in zoos.