Palm-nut Vulture

The Palm-nut Vulture, also known as the Vulturine Fish Eagle, is a distinctive bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family, which includes kites, buzzards, harriers, eagles, and other vultures. It is the sole representative of the genus Gypohierax. This bird is an Old World vulture, only distantly related to the New World vultures of the Cathartidae family. The adult Palm-nut Vulture is the smallest of the Old World vultures, weighing between 1.3–1.7 kg (2.9–3.7 lb), measuring 60 cm (2.0 ft) in length, and boasting a wingspan of 1.50 m (4.9 ft). Its plumage is predominantly white, with striking black areas on its wings and tail, and a red patch encircling each eye. The juvenile, which takes 3–4 years to reach maturity, is brown with yellow eye patches.

Identification Tips

Adult Palm-nut Vultures can be identified by their white plumage contrasted with black wing and tail feathers, and the red patches around their eyes. In flight, they resemble eagles more than typical vultures and are capable of sustained flapping flight. The sexes are similar in appearance, with no size difference. Juveniles are predominantly brown with black wing areas and require several years to acquire the adult's distinctive plumage.

Habitat

The Palm-nut Vulture is commonly found in coastal forests and mangrove swamps up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) in elevation, as well as in wet savannas. Its presence is closely associated with the distribution of oil and raffia palms.

Distribution

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, breeding in forest and savannah, usually near water. Its range coincides with that of oil and Raffia palms, and it can be found from The Gambia to Kenya and as far south as South Africa.

Behaviour

Palm-nut Vultures are approachable birds that can be seen near human habitation, including hotel lawns in tourist areas. They are known for their acrobatic aerial displays during the breeding season.

Breeding

Breeding pairs of Palm-nut Vultures construct large stick nests high in tall trees, often showing a strong attachment to their nesting site. They may remain at the site year-round. In regions with Raphia Palms, nests are built at the base of palm fronds. A single egg is laid per breeding cycle, incubated by both parents over four to six weeks. Fledging occurs approximately 85 to 90 days after hatching.

Similar Species

The Palm-nut Vulture can be crudely mistaken for the African Fish Eagle or the Egyptian Vulture due to its white and black plumage, but it lacks the chestnut body of the former and the white tail of the latter.

Diet and Feeding

The Palm-nut Vulture primarily feeds on the fruit husks of oil palms and the fruits of Raffia palms, which constitute over 60% of the adult's diet and over 90% of the juvenile's diet. It also consumes a variety of other foods, including crabs, molluscs, frogs, fish, insects, small mammals, birds, reptiles, and occasionally carrion.

Conservation Status

The Palm-nut Vulture is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population throughout much of Africa. It is rarer in South Africa but not considered immediately threatened. Habitat loss is the main threat to this species, particularly due to open-cast sand dune mining and urban expansion. Conservation efforts include the cultivation of Raphia palms and protection of habitats within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park.