Egyptian vulture
The Egyptian vulture is a medium-sized raptor with a thin head and a relatively short tail. These are migratory birds that come from Africa in March to breed in less hot and arid lands. Egyptian vultures are animals that do not keep in place. Indeed, they are able to build several areas (raptor nests) in the cliffs’ hollows to behold several places where to nest, sleep or feed.
When the eggs hatch, one or two newborns are raised by their parents for almost 3 months. Then, they take off and gain autonomy since they will go to wintering sites different from their parents.
This species of vulture is unable to butcher too large preys with their unadapted talons and beaks. This is why they are fonder of small mammals or reptiles. They follow griffon vultures in their search for food. Once the first have eaten the flesh, the Egyptian vultures take care of the viscera and entrails, less hard and easier to shred.
The reintroduction of the Egyptian vulture in Lozère is quite laborious. Since 2015, there have only been 2 couples, one of which has only reproduced once.
- Wingspan: 1.60 m
- Weight: 2 to 2.5 kg
- Plumage: gradient of white, beige, brown and black at the tips