The lappet-faced vulture or Nubian vulture is an Old World vulture belonging to the bird order Accipitriformes, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the only member of the genus Torgos. It is not closely related to the superficially similar New World vultures, and does not share the good sense of smell of some members of that family of birds.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
Typical Environment
This species occupies arid and semi-arid savannas, open dry woodlands, and semi-desert, generally avoiding dense forests and humid zones. It occurs across much of eastern, southern, and parts of western Africa, with a smaller population in the Arabian Peninsula. Nests are usually placed in tall, isolated trees or occasionally on cliffs, providing wide views of surrounding open country. It favors protected areas and extensive pastoral landscapes but declines near intensive agriculture and human disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 3000 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The lappet-faced vulture (also called Nubian vulture) is the largest Old World vulture in much of Africa, with an immense, powerful bill capable of tearing tough hides. Its bare pinkish-red head has distinctive folded skin 'lappets' that help keep it clean while feeding. By opening carcasses that others cannot, it facilitates access for smaller scavengers and plays a key role in nutrient cycling. It is threatened by poisoning, habitat loss, and collisions with energy infrastructure.
In Kruger National Park, South Africa
A lappet-faced vulture amongst white-backed vultures and Ruepell's griffons, illustrating its size
Egg - MHNT
Temperament
dominant and territorial at carcasses
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, it dominates other scavengers at carcasses through size and aggression. Breeding pairs maintain large territories and build huge stick nests high in trees. They typically lay a single egg and have a long breeding cycle with extended parental care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally silent away from nests or feeding sites. At carcasses it utters hisses, grunts, and rasping croaks. Near the nest it may produce deep grunts and wheezing calls.
Plumage
Predominantly dark brown to blackish with contrasting white thighs; broad wings and a short, wedge-shaped tail. Head and neck are largely bare, with wrinkled lappets and a massive, pale-horn bill.
Diet
Primarily a scavenger of medium to large mammal carcasses, using its powerful bill to open thick hides and access muscles and viscera. It also takes fresh kills, including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and may harass predators to gain access to prey. Opportunistic feeding includes raiding nests or taking carrion of livestock where available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open country where carcasses are visible from the air, often along game trails, waterholes, and grazing areas. It may follow large carnivores or pastoral activity to locate carrion and descends once thermals build for efficient soaring.
