Aegypius monachus

(Linnaeus, 1766)

Vernacular names
English : Cinereous vulture
French : Vautour moine

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Huge vulture with broad wings, reaching 120 cm in length for a wingspan up to 2.90 m and a weight of 12.5 kg. Plumage entirely brown. Head and neck skin bluish, covered with pale dawn. Huge black bill with blue cere.

Range and habitat
This species occurs from southern Europe (Spain, southern France) to central Europe and Asia, eastwards to Kazakhstan, Mongolia, east China and Korea. Lives in forested areas, upland grassland and steppes, from 300 to 4500 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NEAR THREATENED
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is still declining alarmingly in parts of Asia and eastern Europe but is recovering in western Europe thanks to reintroduction efforts.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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