Vultures are more efficient at exploiting [G 07 / carrion] than the large predators. The ground animal's view is restricted by vegetation, other animals and terrain, whereas the vulture's view is unobstructed. Its keen vision can easily spot food supplies as well as other birds flying in the area. Once one bird begins to descend, all other birds in the area follow in a chain reaction and converge on carrion.
The vulture is capable of traveling long distances without expending much energy. By using warm air or thermal currents to glide, it does not need to use its wings to any great extent. In this way, the vulture may cover 100 miles in a single day. It can also cover distances rapidly, averaging nearly 30 miles per hour. In a steep dive they are capable of speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
Just as the [G 45 / ungulates] complement each other's food habits, so do the vultures of the Serengeti. The six species that inhabit the region can be easily grouped and categorized by food preference.
Both [L3 506 / Ruppell's griffon and white-backed] vultures, are species of griffon vulture that make up over 80 percent of the Serengeti population. They are non-territorial and follow the migrating herds. Griffon vultures have long beaks with razor sharp edges for pulling internal organs from the body cavity of large carrion. They also tear out large soft pieces from the carcass.
The [L3 507 / lappet-faced and white-headed vultures] are territorial and inhabit the plains and woodlands. Their beaks are powerful and are adapted with a hook used for ripping off skin, or picking muscles and tendons. They have also been known to kill young Thomson's gazelles, bat-eared foxes and birds.
The [L3 508 / Egyptian and hooded vultures] are non-territorial; however, the [I 005 / Egyptian] is common only in the eastern Serengeti plains while the hooded is common throughout the region. Both vultures are smaller than the other four species and eat scraps of flesh and bone tossed aside by the others. Their sharpened beaks are adapted for picking smaller pieces of meat off bones. They also eat a wide variety of insects, such as [P017 / dung beetles] and termites, as well as lizards.
