The hooded vulture is an Old World vulture in the order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes, which is sister to the larger Gyps genus, both of which are a part of the Aegypiinae subfamily of Old World vultures. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it has a widespread distribution with populations in southern, East and West Africa. It is a scruffy-looking, small vulture with dark brown plumage, a long thin bill, bare crown, face and fore-neck, and a downy nape and hind-neck. Its face is usually a light red colour. It typically scavenges on carcasses of wildlife and domestic animals. Although it remains a common species with a stable population in the lower region of Casamance, some areas of The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, other regions such as Dakar, Senegal, show more than 85% losses in population over the last 50 years. Threats include poisoning, hunting, loss of habitat and collisions with electricity infrastructure, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as "critically endangered" in their latest assessment (2022). The highest current regional density of hooded vultures is in the western region of The Gambia.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
It occurs widely from West Africa through the Sahel and savannas to East and southern Africa, avoiding dense closed forests. It uses open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural mosaics, and human settlements, especially around markets, abattoirs, and refuse dumps. The species also patrols river corridors and coastal areas where carrion and fish offal are available. It is generally sedentary but makes local nomadic movements tracking food availability. Breeding sites are usually in large trees within open landscapes or near villages.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 4000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The hooded vulture is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes and is one of the smallest Old World vultures. It often frequents towns, markets, and abattoirs, where it scavenges waste and helps limit disease by removing carrion. Populations have crashed in many regions due to poisoning (both intentional and incidental), trade for traditional medicine, habitat loss, and collisions with power infrastructure. Conservation actions focus on anti-poisoning campaigns, protecting nesting sites, and safeguarding urban refuse resources.
Vultures feeding on a dog carcass in Gambia, West Africa
Temperament
opportunistic and tolerant of people, but wary in persecuted areas
Flight Pattern
soaring glider using thermals; buoyant, low commuting flight with shallow wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often gathers in small groups at carcasses and around slaughterhouses, but forages singly or in pairs when searching. Typically nests solitarily or in loose aggregations, building a stick platform high in a tree. Clutches are usually a single egg, with both parents incubating and provisioning the chick.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; lacks a melodious song. Emits hisses, grunts, and rasping calls at carcasses or near the nest, and soft wheezing or whistling notes during close interactions.
