CINEREOUS VULTURE (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. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the Cinereous Vulture Species Survival Plan group. ==>INDIVIDUAL PROFILE: Bruno Photo © Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat many kinds of open terrain from semi-desert and steppe to upland grasslands also mountainous forest where there are large grazing animal stocks and even bare montains. Nests in trees, often on crags or steep slopes.   Niche carnivorous: usually eats carrion from large mammals. Rarely captures small mammals and reptiles. Diurnal; loosely colonial or solitary. Will rob other diurnal raptors of food. Rare winter migrant to north Africa. Arboreal nests are large structures of branches and grasses lined with wool, rags, and other rubbish, and which are added to each year. Life History 1-2 eggs, usually 1, batch in 50-55 days, and are tended and fed by both parents. Fledging period is not precisely known, but is at lost 95 days, perhaps 120. Young are semi-altricial. Special Adaptations Excellent eyesight aids bird in locating prey at great distances. Extremely long, broad wings are designed for soaring over great distances in search of prey. Massive beak is well suited for feeding on tough material such as sinew, dry skin and muscle. Top of beak strongly arched with a sharp hook, enabling bird to break into large carcasses unaided. Large size enables it to dominate other types of vultures at carrion. Long toes provide a stable base while bird is feeding.