The greater yellow-headed vulture, also known as the forest vulture, is a species of bird in the New World vulture family Cathartidae. It was considered to be the same species as the lesser yellow-headed vulture until they were split in 1964. It is found in South America in tropical moist lowland forests. It is a fairly large bird, with a wingspan of 166–178 cm (65–70 in), a weight of 1.65 kilograms (3.6 lb) and a body length of 64–75 cm (25–30 in). The body plumage is black, and the head and neck, which are featherless, range in color from deep yellow to pale orange. It lacks a syrinx, and its vocalizations are therefore limited to grunts or low hisses.
Region
Amazon Basin
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across lowland tropical rainforests of the Amazon and Guianas, favoring intact, humid forests and seasonally flooded varzea and igapó. It is most often seen soaring above the canopy or along large rivers and forest edges. Unlike many vultures, it regularly forages over closed forest where its sense of smell helps locate concealed carrion. It avoids open savannas and heavily urbanized areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the forest vulture, it was split from the lesser yellow-headed vulture in 1964. Unusual among birds, it has a highly developed sense of smell and often locates carrion beneath dense forest canopy. Lacking a syrinx, it can only hiss and grunt. Other scavengers may watch and follow it to hidden food sources.
Diagram showing general coloration
Sacha Lodge - Ecuador
Temperament
solitary and wary
Flight Pattern
soaring glider with slight dihedral and minimal wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually forages alone but may roost in small groups and gather loosely at carcasses. Breeds in secluded sites such as hollow logs, stumps, or on the ground among dense vegetation, with little to no nest material. Clutch is typically two eggs, and both adults incubate and feed the young by regurgitation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are limited to low hisses and grunts as it lacks a syrinx. At carcasses it may produce harsh, breathy sounds during interactions with other scavengers.
