Bird
Palm-nut Vulture
Gypohierax angolensisAlso known as Vulturine Fish Eagle, Palm-nut Eagle
Unusually for a bird of prey, the palm-nut vulture feeds predominantly on the fleshy husk of oil palm and raffia palm fruits. Adult birds display striking white plumage with contrasting black wings and vivid orange-red bare skin around the eyes. They inhabit wetlands, forests, and palm groves across sub-Saharan Africa, often staying tied to areas where wild or cultivated oil palms thrive.
RaptorFrugivorousTropical
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyOil palm fruit, Raffia palm fruit, Fish
Predators
- Large eagles
- Monkeys
ThreatsHabitat clearance, coastal development, and human persecution
HabitatsForests, swamps, mangroves, riverbanks, and oil palm plantations
Life span20–25 years
Classification
- OrderAccipitriformes
- FamilyAccipitridae
- GenusGypohierax
- SpeciesGypohierax angolensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering strong bites or scratches if cornered; observe from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look high in the crowns of oil palms or coastal mangroves near river mouths.
- Observation: Use binoculars to watch them peel palm husks with their specialized beak.
- Disturbance: Keep a clear distance from bulky stick nests positioned in tall trees.
Co-occurring Raptor Derek Keats from Johannesburg, South Africa / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Kinship Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Primary Food Source (c) Fabrício Mil Homens Riella, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fabrício Mil Homens Riella · cc-by
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