What kind of vulture is the hooded vulture?

The hooded vulture is a small vulture belonging to the genus Necrosyrtes.

As their name suggests, they have a dark brown plumage. They also have a small head and a slender neck. In English, they are called the 'hooded vulture'. 'Hooded' means 'wearing a hood,' referring to their small, sparsely feathered heads. They play an important role in nature as scavengers, consuming the carcasses of dead animals. They use their sharp beaks to tear flesh from carcasses and can also crush bones. They also feed on bones and internal organs left behind by other vultures. They can be solitary, but are often found in groups of a few to several dozen individuals. They build their nests in trees or on cliff ledges. The nests are made from branches and leaves, and females usually lay one egg. The egg hatches after about 42 to 56 days, and the chick fledges after about 3 to 4 months. Both parents participate in raising their young.

What do hooded vultures eat?

Hooded vultures mainly feed on carrion, but they also eat bird eggs, insects, reptiles, and even food scraps and garbage left by humans.

They are very adaptable when it comes to food.

[Quiz!] Why do hooded vultures live near humans?

Hooded vultures are often seen near human settlements, scavenging for food in garbage dumps.

This is because they utilize human garbage as a food source. Humans produce a large amount of garbage every day, which contains leftovers, bones, and internal organs. This garbage is a valuable food source for hooded vultures. Human settlements are also relatively safe for them as there are fewer other predators.

[Quiz!] Are hooded vultures endangered?

The hooded vulture is listed as 'Critically Endangered' (CR) on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.

Their numbers have been declining rapidly in recent years and they are facing a severe threat of extinction. The main reasons for their decline are human activities:

・Habitat loss: Human development is destroying their savanna and forest habitats.

・Poaching: They are targeted by poachers for their feathers, talons, and beaks, which are highly valued in the illegal wildlife trade. They are also used in traditional medicine.

・Poisoning: They can be poisoned by consuming pesticides or poisoned bait.

・Collisions with power lines: They are often killed by collisions with power lines.

To protect hooded vultures, it is essential to conserve their habitat, prevent poaching, regulate the use of poisons, and mitigate collisions with power lines. We must also be aware of the current situation of hooded vultures and consider what we can do to protect them.