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== Description == == Description ==

Unlike most vultures, the Lammergeier does not have a bald head. This huge bird is {{convert|95|-|125|cm|in|abbr=on}} long with a ] of {{convert|275|-|308|cm|in|abbr=on}} (10 feet), and is quite unlike most other vultures in flight due to its large, narrow wings and long, wedge-shaped tail feathers. It weighs {{convert|4.5|-|7.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Ferguson-Lees|Christie|2001|p=}}{{page needed|date=May 2011}} Unlike most vultures, the Lammergeier does not have a bald head. This huge bird is {{convert|95|-|125|cm|in|abbr=on}} long with a ] of {{convert|275|-|308|cm|in|abbr=on}} (10 feet), and is quite unlike most other vultures in flight due to its large, narrow wings and long, wedge-shaped tail feathers. It weighs {{convert|4.5|-|7.5|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{sfn|Ferguson-Lees|Christie|2001|p=}}{{page needed|date=May 2011}}


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== Behaviour == == Behaviour ==

], 1973.]] ], 1973.]]

Like other ]s it is a ], feeding mostly from carcasses of ]. It usually disdains the rotting meat, however, and lives on a diet that is 90% ]. The Lammergeier can swallow whole bones up to the size of a lamb's femur<ref name="pbs.org" /> and its powerful digestive system quickly dissolves even large pieces. The Lammergeier has learned to crack bones too large to be swallowed by carrying them up to a height and then dropping them onto rocks below, smashing them into smaller pieces and exposing the nutritious marrow. This learned skill requires extensive practice by immature birds and takes up to seven years to master.<ref name="BBCbeardedvulture" /> Its old name of ''Ossifrage'' ("bone breaker") relates to this habit. Live ]s are also dropped in similar fashion to crack them open. Although dropping bones is a regular habit, the Lammergeier also obtains food by other means and has been known to seize and carry off live prey such as a two foot monitor lizard.<ref name="pbs.org" /> Like other ]s it is a ], feeding mostly from carcasses of ]. It usually disdains the rotting meat, however, and lives on a diet that is 90% ]. The Lammergeier can swallow whole bones up to the size of a lamb's femur<ref name="pbs.org" /> and its powerful digestive system quickly dissolves even large pieces. The Lammergeier has learned to crack bones too large to be swallowed by carrying them up to a height and then dropping them onto rocks below, smashing them into smaller pieces and exposing the nutritious marrow. This learned skill requires extensive practice by immature birds and takes up to seven years to master.<ref name="BBCbeardedvulture" /> Its old name of ''Ossifrage'' ("bone breaker") relates to this habit. Live ]s are also dropped in similar fashion to crack them open. Although dropping bones is a regular habit, the Lammergeier also obtains food by other means and has been known to seize and carry off live prey such as a two foot monitor lizard.<ref name="pbs.org" />


== Habitat == == Habitat ==

The habitat is exclusively mountainous terrain ({{convert|500|-|4000|m|ft|disp=/|abbr=on}}). An individual has been seen at {{convert|24000|ft|m}}.{{sfn|Bruce|1923|p=329}} The bird breeds from mid-December to mid-February, laying 1 to 2 eggs which hatch between 53 and 58 days. After hatching the young spend 106 to 130 days in the nest before ]. Typically, the Lammergeier nests in caves and on ledges and rock outcrops.<ref name="pbs.org" /> The habitat is exclusively mountainous terrain ({{convert|500|-|4000|m|ft|disp=/|abbr=on}}). An individual has been seen at {{convert|24000|ft|m}}.{{sfn|Bruce|1923|p=329}} The bird breeds from mid-December to mid-February, laying 1 to 2 eggs which hatch between 53 and 58 days. After hatching the young spend 106 to 130 days in the nest before ]. Typically, the Lammergeier nests in caves and on ledges and rock outcrops.<ref name="pbs.org" />


== Conservation status == == Conservation status ==

Although the Lammergeier is threatened within its range in ], the species has a large range across ] and ] and is relatively common across much of that range. As such the species is listed as ] by the ] and ], although there is some evidence of decline. It was formerly killed in significant numbers because people feared (without justification) that it carried off children and domestic animals; the bird was also hunted as a ].<ref name="howstuffworks" /> Although the Lammergeier is threatened within its range in ], the species has a large range across ] and ] and is relatively common across much of that range. As such the species is listed as ] by the ] and ], although there is some evidence of decline. It was formerly killed in significant numbers because people feared (without justification) that it carried off children and domestic animals; the bird was also hunted as a ].<ref name="howstuffworks" />


== Etymology == == Etymology ==

This species was first described by ] in his ''Systema naturae'' in 1758 as ''Vultur barbatus''.<ref name="Linnaeus1785" /> The name of the Lammergeier originates from ] ''{{lang|de|Lämmergeier}}'', which means "lamb-vulture" or "lamb-hawk". The name stems from the belief that it attacked ].<ref name="BB101" /> This species was first described by ] in his ''Systema naturae'' in 1758 as ''Vultur barbatus''.<ref name="Linnaeus1785" /> The name of the Lammergeier originates from ] ''{{lang|de|Lämmergeier}}'', which means "lamb-vulture" or "lamb-hawk". The name stems from the belief that it attacked ].<ref name="BB101" />


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The ] playwright ] was said to have been killed in 456 or 455 BC by a ] dropped by an eagle who mistook his bald head for a stone &ndash; if this incident did occur, the Lammergeier is a likely candidate for the "eagle". The ] playwright ] was said to have been killed in 456 or 455 BC by a ] dropped by an eagle who mistook his bald head for a stone &ndash; if this incident did occur, the Lammergeier is a likely candidate for the "eagle".


More recently, in 1945, it is said that ] (called Shimon Persky at the time) and ] found a nest of Bearded Vultures in the ] desert. The bird is called ''{{lang|he-Latn|peres}}'' in ], and Shimon Persky liked it so much he adopted it as his ].<ref> by Stephen Marche, '']'', June 13, 2008</ref> More recently, in 1945, it is said that ] (called Shimon Persky at the time) and ] found a nest of Bearded Vultures in the ] desert. The bird is called ''{{lang|he-Latn|peres}}'' in ], and Shimon Persky liked it so much he adopted it as his ].<ref name="Marche2008" />


Bearded Vulture is considered a threatened species in ]. Iranian mythology considers the rare Lammergeier the symbol of luck and happiness. It was believed that if the shadow of a '']'' fell on one, he would rise to sovereignty.{{sfn|Pollard|1947}} Bearded Vulture is considered a threatened species in ]. Iranian mythology considers the rare Lammergeier the symbol of luck and happiness. It was believed that if the shadow of a '']'' fell on one, he would rise to sovereignty.{{sfn|Pollard|1947}}
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| language = Latin | language = Latin
| quote = V. albidus, dorso fusco, jugulo barbato, rostro incarnato, capite linea nigra cincto. | quote = V. albidus, dorso fusco, jugulo barbato, rostro incarnato, capite linea nigra cincto.
}}
</ref>

<ref name="Marche2008">
{{cite web
| last = Marche
| first = Stephen
| date = 2008-06-13
| title = Flight Of Fancy
| publisher = The New Republic
| work = tnr.com
| url = http://www.tnr.com/article/politics/flight-fancy
| accessdate = 2011-05-30
}} }}
</ref> </ref>
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; Sources ; Sources

* {{cite book * {{cite book
| last = Bruce | last = Bruce
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== External links == == External links ==

{{commons category|Gypaetus barbatus}} {{commons category|Gypaetus barbatus}}
{{wikispecies|Gypaetus barbatus}} {{wikispecies|Gypaetus barbatus}}

* - video of Lammergeier shattering bones into smaller pieces which it then feeds on * - video of Lammergeier shattering bones into smaller pieces which it then feeds on
* *
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* *
* http://vimeo.com/6048057 Professional video of Lammergeiers and other vultures in the Pyrenees * http://vimeo.com/6048057 Professional video of Lammergeiers and other vultures in the Pyrenees

{{Old World vultures}} {{Old World vultures}}


Revision as of 04:24, 30 May 2011

Bearded Vulture
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Falconiformes
(or Accipitriformes, q.v.)
Family: Accipitridae
Subfamily: Aegypiinae
Genus: Gypaetus
Storr, 1784
Species: G. barbatus
Binomial name
Gypaetus barbatus
(Linnaeus, 1758)

The Lammergeier, Lammergeyer, or Bearded Vulture, Gypaetus barbatus ("Bearded Vulture-Eagle"), is the only member of the genus Gypaetus. Traditionally considered an Old World vulture, it actually forms a minor lineage of Accipitridae together with the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), its closest living relative. They are not much more closely related to the Old World vultures proper than to, for example, hawks, and differ from the former by their feathered neck. Although quite dissimilar, Egyptian and Bearded Vulture both have a lozenge-shaped tail that is unusual among birds of prey.

It eats mainly carrion and lives and breeds on crags in high mountains in southern Europe, Africa, Pakistan, India, and Tibet, laying one or two eggs in mid-winter which hatch at the beginning of spring. Populations are resident.

Description

Unlike most vultures, the Lammergeier does not have a bald head. This huge bird is 95–125 cm (37–49 in) long with a wingspan of 275–308 cm (108–121 in) (10 feet), and is quite unlike most other vultures in flight due to its large, narrow wings and long, wedge-shaped tail feathers. It weighs 4.5–7.5 kg (9.9–16.5 lb).

The adult has a buff-yellow body and head, the latter with the black moustaches which give this species its alternative name. It may rub mud over its chin, breast and leg feathers, giving these areas a rust-coloured appearance. The tail feathers and wings are grey. The juvenile bird is dark all over, and takes five years to reach full maturity. The Lammergeier is silent, apart from shrill whistles at the breeding crags, and can live up to 40 years in captivity.

  • Nestlings are covered in dark down feathers Nestlings are covered in dark down feathers
  • The juvenile bird is mostly dark The juvenile bird is mostly dark
  • The adult has a buff-yellow body and head The adult has a buff-yellow body and head
  • Adult in flight from below (note the peculiar tail shape) Adult in flight from below (note the peculiar tail shape)

Behaviour

Boy with live Bearded Vulture, Kabul, 1973.

Like other vultures it is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals. It usually disdains the rotting meat, however, and lives on a diet that is 90% bone marrow. The Lammergeier can swallow whole bones up to the size of a lamb's femur and its powerful digestive system quickly dissolves even large pieces. The Lammergeier has learned to crack bones too large to be swallowed by carrying them up to a height and then dropping them onto rocks below, smashing them into smaller pieces and exposing the nutritious marrow. This learned skill requires extensive practice by immature birds and takes up to seven years to master. Its old name of Ossifrage ("bone breaker") relates to this habit. Live tortoises are also dropped in similar fashion to crack them open. Although dropping bones is a regular habit, the Lammergeier also obtains food by other means and has been known to seize and carry off live prey such as a two foot monitor lizard.

Habitat

The habitat is exclusively mountainous terrain (500–4,000 m (1,600–13,100 ft)). An individual has been seen at 24,000 feet (7,300 m). The bird breeds from mid-December to mid-February, laying 1 to 2 eggs which hatch between 53 and 58 days. After hatching the young spend 106 to 130 days in the nest before fledging. Typically, the Lammergeier nests in caves and on ledges and rock outcrops.

Conservation status

Although the Lammergeier is threatened within its range in Europe, the species has a large range across Asia and Africa and is relatively common across much of that range. As such the species is listed as least concern by the IUCN and BirdLife International, although there is some evidence of decline. It was formerly killed in significant numbers because people feared (without justification) that it carried off children and domestic animals; the bird was also hunted as a trophy.

Etymology

This species was first described by Linnaeus in his Systema naturae in 1758 as Vultur barbatus. The name of the Lammergeier originates from German Lämmergeier, which means "lamb-vulture" or "lamb-hawk". The name stems from the belief that it attacked lambs.

Legend

The Greek playwright Aeschylus was said to have been killed in 456 or 455 BC by a tortoise dropped by an eagle who mistook his bald head for a stone – if this incident did occur, the Lammergeier is a likely candidate for the "eagle".

More recently, in 1945, it is said that Shimon Peres (called Shimon Persky at the time) and David Ben-Gurion found a nest of Bearded Vultures in the Negev desert. The bird is called peres in Hebrew, and Shimon Persky liked it so much he adopted it as his surname.

Bearded Vulture is considered a threatened species in Iran. Iranian mythology considers the rare Lammergeier the symbol of luck and happiness. It was believed that if the shadow of a Huma fell on one, he would rise to sovereignty.

References

  1. Template:IUCN
  2. Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001.
  3. ^ "'The Living Edens' — Bhutan". PBS. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
  4. "Wildlife Finder — Lammergeier (video, facts and news)". BBC. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
  5. Bruce 1923, p. 329.
  6. "How Stuff Works — Animals — Lammergeier". animals.howstuffworks.com. Discovery Communications, LLC. 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2011-05-29.
  7. Linnaeus, Carolus (1758). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Tomus I. Editio decima, reformata (in Latin). Holmiae. (Laurentii Salvii). p. 87. V. albidus, dorso fusco, jugulo barbato, rostro incarnato, capite linea nigra cincto.
  8. Everett, Mike (2008). "Lammergeiers and lambs". British Birds. 101 (4): 215.
  9. Marche, Stephen (2008-06-13). "Flight Of Fancy". tnr.com. The New Republic. Retrieved 2011-05-30.
  10. Pollard 1947.
Sources

External links

Old World vultures (subfamily: Aegypiinae)
GenusSpecies
Aegypius
Gypaetus
Gypohierax
Gyps
Necrosyrtes
Neophron
Sarcogyps
Torgos
Trigonoceps

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Categories: