(EUROPEAN BLACK VULTURE)

Aegypius monachus

BIRD

Order Falconiformes

Description

3 ft long; avg 18 lbs, wingspan 8-9.5 ft. Female slightly larger and heavier. Plumage blackish or dark brown; head and neck blue-grey. Broad head covered in black or brown down. Relatively short neck, neck ruff of dark brown feathers, black crop-patch. Brown eyes, black beak, legs pale blue-grey or whitish-yellow.

Range

southern Europe east to southern China.

Status

Seriously threatened globally due to hunting, poisoning, habitat destruction and improved stock management. The international trade of this species is regulated by the law, since it may become endangered without regulated trade.

Riverside Zoo is proud to participate in the survival plan for this rare species of vulture.

A visit to the Zoo must include time to see our exhibit of these magnificent birds.