Reproduction

Pairs remain together for several years and then may switch to a different partner.

Breeding occurs across their range from March to mid-August with some variation of these timings across their wide range.

The lappet-faced vulture will build a nest which is up to 2m (6.5ft) across in diameter. This is formed out of sticks.

In to this nest the female will deposit a single egg. Both adults work to incubate this over a 55 day period. Nests are built away from other pairs of birds.

At hatching the chick is covered by downy, white feathers. The head and neck are colored grey.

Fledging occurs at 18 weeks old but the chicks may remain with their parents for up to a year.

Sexual maturity is reached at 6 years old.

Behavior

These birds are mostly silent.

Most of their life is spent living as part of a pair. At a carcass or around water they may join together in groups with up to 50 other raptors.

At food they are dominant over any other bird which may be present.

At night while they sleep they will reduce their metabolism which also drops their body temperature. This reduces the calories which they use while they sleep.

In the morning they will stretch out their wings and point towards the sun. This increases the surface area available for the sun to hit. When it is too warm they perform a similar behavior to help lose heat.

Predators and Threats

Predators such as the crow will take eggs and young. Newborns are also preyed upon by secretary birds and leopards.

The current population of mature individuals is estimated at just 5,700 and is suggested to be in a rapid decline. They have already been declared as extinct in parts of their range.

Their main source of their decline has been through poisoning mainly from secondary poisoning when they feed on carcasses which have themselves died from poisoning.

In parts of their range they are seen with their beaks removed after death and it is thought these are traded for traditional medicine.

Further threats to the species include nest predation by humans, reduced availability of foods and electrocution. Nesting birds face disturbance from vehicles and fire. Their nesting trees may also be destroyed by elephants.

Quick facts

Lappet-faced vultures may also be referred to as the king vulture (not to be confused with the species of the same name in South America). This is due to them being dominant when at a carcass.

They are also known as the Nubian vulture.

These birds are considered the largest species of vulture in Africa.

A group of lappet-faced vultures is referred to as a 'committee,' 'venue,' or 'volt.'