Bearded vulture

/bˈiədɪd vˈʌltʃə/

/bˈɪɹdᵻd vˈʌltʃɚ/

Bearded vulture

a large bird of prey characterized by its striking appearance, featuring a distinctive bearded face and dark brown plumage

synonyms : Gypaetus barbatus

lammergeier

lammergeyer

What is a "bearded vulture"?

A bearded vulture, also known as the Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), is a magnificent bird of prey inhabiting high-altitude regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. With a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters and a striking appearance, this species stands out with its rich dark brown plumage, contrasting white feathers on the head and neck, and a distinctive "beard" of feathers around its face. The bearded vulture's diet is unique among raptors, as it primarily feeds on bone marrow, dropping bones from great heights to access the nutritious marrow inside. This impressive scavenger and hunter is not only an emblem of rugged mountainous landscapes but also plays a vital role in the ecosystem as a bone-cleaning specialist, preventing the spread of disease and recycling nutrients.

Examples

1. Surprisingly, unlike many other birds, bearded vultures don’t have a gizzard.

2. When it comes to scarfing down skeletons, it’s tough to beat the bearded vulture.

3. If it wasn't for good zoos, their tireless efforts and their tremendous work, many species would no longer exist on this planet: like bearded vultures in Central Europe, or Przewalski's horses, the last remaining species of wild horse in Asia.