The white-headed vulture is an Old World vulture endemic to Africa. Populations have been declining steeply in recent years due to habitat degradation and poisoning of vultures at carcasses. An extinct relative was also present in the Indonesian island of Flores during the Late Pleistocene, indicating that the genus was more widespread in the past.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from the Sahel through East Africa to southern Africa, at low densities. Prefers open and lightly wooded savannas, bushveld, and dry woodland with scattered large trees suitable for nesting. Avoids dense rainforest and the most arid deserts but ranges over wide areas while foraging. Often associated with protected areas and game reserves where large herbivores are present.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The white-headed vulture is a striking Old World vulture endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and often among the first to locate small and medium carcasses. Unlike many vultures, it also hunts live prey such as small mammals, birds, and reptiles. Populations have declined steeply due to poisoning at carcasses, habitat loss, and human disturbance. Fossil evidence from Flores indicates the genus was more widespread in the Late Pleistocene.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
soaring glider
Social Behavior
Usually seen alone or in pairs and is less gregarious than other vultures. Monogamous pairs build large stick nests in tall trees and typically lay a single egg. Often the first vulture to arrive at small carcasses and may dominate briefly before larger species gather.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Mostly silent in flight. At nests and at carcasses, it utters harsh grunts, hisses, and croaks.
Plumage
Contrasting plumage with a white, downy head and neck ruff, dark brown to black body, and bold white underwing coverts contrasting with dark flight feathers. Tail short and squarish.
Diet
Primarily scavenges on carrion, especially small to medium-sized carcasses that it can monopolize. Also hunts live prey including small mammals, birds, reptiles, and will take eggs or amphibians when available. Uses keen eyesight to locate food and may search along game trails and roads.
Preferred Environment
Forages over open savanna, burnt grasslands, and bush with scattered trees. Often patrols near waterholes, game concentrations, and along roads where carcasses are more likely.
