The Himalayan vulture or Himalayan griffon vulture is an Old World vulture native to the Himalayas and foothills in North and Northeastern India, as well as the adjacent Tibetan Plateau. After the cinereous vulture, it is the second-largest Old World vulture species, and among the world's largest true raptors. It is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It is not to be confused with the Eurasian griffon vulture, which is a visually similar, sympatric species.
Region
Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs from Pakistan and northern India through Nepal and Bhutan into Tibet and western China, with regular presence across the high Himalayas and adjacent plateaus. Prefers open alpine meadows, montane grasslands, and high-elevation valleys with nearby cliffs for roosting and nesting. It often patrols along ridgelines and over pastoral landscapes where domestic livestock are common. Birds may descend to lower valleys in winter or during periods of food scarcity.
Altitude Range
1200–5500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Himalayan vulture (or Himalayan griffon) is one of the world’s largest true raptors, second in size among Old World vultures only to the cinereous vulture. It soars over high mountain valleys and plateaus, often riding strong thermals at remarkable altitudes. Like other Gyps vultures, it feeds primarily on carrion and plays a vital role in alpine ecosystems. It is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN due to poisoning, collisions, and other human-related pressures.
Adult spotted in Dhauladhar range
Juvenile in flight
Himalayan griffons in Spiti
Himalayan vultures in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
Himalayan griffon near Jalpaiguri
Temperament
mostly solitary or in loose groups; gregarious at carcasses
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Often forms loose aggregations at large carcasses but maintains spacing and a dominance hierarchy while feeding. Nests on remote cliff ledges, usually in scattered colonies or isolated pairs. Pairs are monogamous, laying a single egg with prolonged parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Generally silent in flight. At nests and carcasses, it emits grunts, hisses, and hoarse croaks during interactions.
Plumage
Pale buff to sandy overall with contrasting dark brown flight feathers and tail; adults show a shaggy whitish ruff at the neck and streaked underparts. Juveniles are darker and more uniformly brown with less distinct streaking.
Diet
A specialist scavenger feeding primarily on carrion of domestic livestock such as yaks, sheep, and goats, as well as wild ungulates. It uses keen eyesight to locate carcasses from great height and relies on strong bills to tear hide and muscle. It rarely, if ever, hunts live prey. Individuals can gorge and store food in the crop to sustain long periods between meals.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open alpine pastures, high plateaus, and montane valleys where thermals aid soaring and visibility is high. Often forages along ridgelines and over pastoral areas where livestock mortality provides food.
