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Revision as of 17:37, 28 February 2006
| Griffon Vulture | |
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| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Falconiformes |
| Family: | Accipitridae |
| Genus: | Gyps |
| Species: | G. fulvus |
| Binomial name | |
| Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783 | |
The Griffon Vulture, Gyps fulvus is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks.
It breeds on crags in mountains in southern Europe, north Africa, and Asia, laying one egg. Griffons may form loose colonies. The population is mostly resident. Griffon Vultures have been re-introduced successfully into the Massif Central in France.
Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas. It often moves in flocks.
The Griffon is 95-110 cm long with a 230-265 cm wingspan. It is a typical vulture in appearance, with a white bald head, very broad wings and a short tail It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers.
This vulture grunts and hisses at roosts or when feeding on carrion.
