White-rumped Vulture

The White-rumped Vulture, Gyps bengalensis, is a medium-sized vulture distinguished by its broad wings, short tail feathers, and an unfeathered head and neck. It is notably smaller than the Eurasian Griffon and is characterized by a white neck ruff. The adult's plumage is predominantly dark, with a contrasting white back, rump, and underwing coverts. The head bears a pinkish hue, and the bill is silvery with dark ceres. Juveniles are mostly dark and take several years to acquire the full adult plumage.

Identification Tips

In flight, the White-rumped Vulture exhibits a dark leading edge on its wings and a white lining underneath. The undertail coverts are black, and the secondaries appear silvery grey. The nostrils are slit-like, and the bird's size ranges from 75–93 cm in length with a wingspan of 1.92–2.6 meters.

Habitat

This vulture favors tall trees for nesting, often in proximity to human settlements across northern and central India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia.

Distribution

Once abundant in the Gangetic plains of India, the White-rumped Vulture's range has drastically reduced. It is now mostly resident within its remaining territories.

Behaviour

The White-rumped Vulture is a scavenger, relying on carcasses for sustenance. It soars on thermals to locate food, often congregating in flocks. These vultures bathe regularly where water is available and are known to feed even after dark. They roost on trees, which can be identified by the whitening effect of their excreta.

Song & Calls

Typically silent, the White-rumped Vulture may emit hissing and roaring sounds, particularly at the nest or when competing for food.

Breeding

Nesting occurs on tall trees, with the breeding season spanning from November to March. The birds form colonies, though younger pairs may nest in isolation. A single bluish-green tinged egg is laid, and the chick, covered in grey down, is fed with meat from carcasses by the parents.

Similar Species

The White-rumped Vulture can be confused with the Indian Vulture (Gyps indicus) and the Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), but it is distinguished by its smaller size and unique underwing pattern.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists almost exclusively of carrion. They have been observed swallowing dry bones and skull pieces from small mammals.

Conservation status

The White-rumped Vulture is classified as Critically Endangered, with a population decline of over 99% since the early 1990s, primarily due to diclofenac poisoning. Conservation efforts include banning diclofenac, captive breeding, and establishing "vulture restaurants" to provide safe food sources.