Fauna
Bird

Hooded Vulture

Necrosyrtes monachus

Also known as African Hooded Vulture

Hooded vultures act as vital ecosystem sanitizers across sub-Saharan villages, open savannas, and abattoirs, often arriving first at small carcasses. Their delicate, slender bills allow them to pick off soft scraps, insects, and offal that bulkier scavengers cannot reach. Pairs build bulky stick nests high in tree canopies, where they raise a single chick each breeding season.

RaptorScavenger
Hooded Vulture reference
Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCarrion, Refuse, Insects
Predators
  • Martial Eagle
  • Baboons
  • Large Snakes
ThreatsPoisoning, persecution, illegal trade for traditional medicine, and power line collisions
HabitatsSavannas, open woodlands, forest edges, towns, and abattoirs
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. FamilyAccipitridae
  2. SpeciesNecrosyrtes monachus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
What to notice
Recognizable by its small body size, overall dark brown plumage, pinkish bare face, and soft downy hood on the hind-neck.
Support conservation
Keep a respectful distance during observation and avoid approaching known nesting trees to prevent nest abandonment.
Responsible observation
  • Observe at Markets: Look near open-air livestock markets or abattoirs where these birds frequently forage.
  • Watch Facial Flushing: Note how the bare facial skin shifts to bright red during excitement or social interactions.
  • Keep Nest Distance: Give nesting trees ample space to prevent disturbing breeding pairs.
Related species
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