White-headed Vulture

The White-headed Vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis, presents a striking figure in the African skies. This medium-sized vulture, measuring 72–85 centimeters in length with a wingspan of 207–230 centimeters, is notable for its distinctive plumage. The females, slightly larger than the males, weigh an average of 4.7 kilograms, while the males tip the scales at less than 4 kilograms. The species exhibits reversed sexual dimorphism, a unique trait among its African counterparts.

Identification Tips

This vulture is easily recognized by its contrasting black and white plumage. A white crest adorns its head, and the featherless regions of its face are a pale hue. Its beak is tinged pink, and the dark brown upper parts complement the black tail feathers. From below, the white feathers on its lower parts and legs are unmistakable. Each individual can be identified by a unique pattern in their median wing coverts.

Habitat

The White-headed Vulture is adapted to mixed, dry woodlands at lower altitudes, avoiding human settlements. It thrives in thorny Acacia-dominated landscapes and can be found at elevations up to 4,000 meters in Ethiopia and around 3,000 meters in Kenya.

Distribution

This vulture's range extends across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal and Gambia in the west, east to Somalia, and south to South Africa and Eswatini. It is a resident species, with populations concentrated in protected areas such as the Kruger National Park.

Behaviour

The White-headed Vulture is a solitary bird, often seen alone or in pairs, and is known to be territorial and long-lived. It builds nests predominantly in acacias or baobabs, laying a single egg post-rainy season. This species is also an opportunistic predator, occasionally hunting small mammals and reptiles.

Song & Calls

During copulation, the White-headed Vulture emits a deep, squeak-like sound, longer than a grunt, which is considered unusual among vultures.

Breeding

Breeding pairs are loyal to their territory and exhibit subtle copulation behavior. The average productivity from a study of 73 pairs was 0.69 chicks per pair.

Similar Species

The White-headed Vulture is unique in its appearance and can be distinguished from other vultures by its coloration and size.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily a scavenger, this vulture is often the first to arrive at a carcass due to its habit of flying lower than other species. It may also hunt live prey, such as mongooses, lizards, squirrels, and hares.

Conservation status

The White-headed Vulture is currently classified as Critically Endangered. Its populations have been in decline since the 1940s due to habitat loss, reduced food availability, and poisoning. The species is highly sensitive to land-use changes and is now largely restricted to protected areas.