The white-backed vulture is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the most common vulture species in the continent of Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across open savannas, grasslands, and lightly wooded areas, especially where large ungulates are present. It favors mosaics of open country with scattered tall trees for nesting and roosting. The species is often associated with protected areas and game reserves but also ranges over pastoral lands and road networks where carcasses may be found. It avoids dense forests and extremely arid deserts. Breeding colonies are typically in tall trees near water or open plains.
Altitude Range
0–3500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-backed vulture is an Old World vulture that soars on thermals to locate carrion over vast savanna landscapes. Highly social, it often feeds in large groups and breeds colonially in tall trees. Populations have declined sharply due to poisoning, habitat loss, and declines in wild ungulates. It plays a crucial ecosystem role by rapidly disposing of carcasses and limiting disease spread.
in Kruger National Park
Group feeding on a zebra carcass, Upper Lupande GMA, Zambia
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Typically forms large aggregations at carcasses and roosts communally. Breeds colonially in tall trees, with pairs generally monogamous and sharing incubation and chick-rearing. Establishes a feeding hierarchy at carcasses, often arriving after scout birds locate food. Ranges widely in search of carrion but returns to traditional roosts.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Usually silent in flight; at carcasses it produces hisses, grunts, and croaks during interactions. Nesting birds utter low grumbles and rasping calls around the colony.
Plumage
Dark brown body with a contrasting pale to white back and rump, and a conspicuous white neck ruff. Underwings show pale coverts with dark flight feathers; head and neck are largely bare and pale. Feathers appear slightly shaggy around the ruff and mantle.
Diet
Primarily scavenges medium to large mammal carcasses, including wild ungulates and livestock. It tears flesh with a strong hooked bill and often feeds in large mixed-species vulture groups. Rarely hunts live prey, instead relying on visibility and other vultures to locate carrion. Will consume soft tissues first and may gather at carcasses for several hours.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open savannas, grasslands, and along roads or near settlements where carcasses may occur. Often forages near protected areas with high herbivore densities and uses thermals to cover large areas efficiently.
