The Egyptian vulture, also called the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh's chicken, is a small Old World vulture in the monotypic genus Neophron. It is widely distributed from the Iberian Peninsula, North Africa, West Asia and India. The contrasting underwing pattern and wedge-shaped tail make it distinctive in flight as it soars in thermals during the warmer parts of the day. Egyptian vultures feed mainly on carrion but are opportunistic and will prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They also feed on the eggs of other birds, breaking larger ones by tossing a large pebble onto them.
Region
Mediterranean, North Africa, and South Asia
Typical Environment
Prefers open, arid and semi-arid landscapes including deserts, scrublands, steppe, and agricultural mosaics. Often associated with cliffs, rocky outcrops, gorges, and quarries where it nests on ledges and in crevices. Frequently occurs near villages, abattoirs, and refuse dumps, taking advantage of human-derived food. Generally avoids dense forests but will soar over wide plains and hill slopes using thermal updrafts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the few birds known to use tools, it famously cracks large eggs by tossing stones with its beak. Adults have bare yellow to orange facial skin that can intensify with diet and season. Many European and West Asian populations migrate to the Sahel in winter, while some populations in India and parts of Africa are resident.
N. p. ginginianus in flight, India
Adult N. percnopterus in captivity showing white plumage
N. p. percnopterus in flight (Israel) showing the characteristic wing and tail shape.
Eggs showing colour variation, chromolithographs by Georg Krause
18-day-old chick.
Egyptian vulture using a stone to crack a large egg.
The "sacred pair" at Thirukalukundram in 1906
Temperament
wary and opportunistic
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may gather at carcasses and communal roosts. Monogamous pairs nest on cliffs, often reusing sites for years and lining nests with wool, rags, and other materials. Both parents incubate and feed 1–2 chicks.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally quiet; emits thin whistles and mewing notes near the nest. Also produces hisses and grunts during aggressive interactions at carcasses.
