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Egyptian Vulture


Egyptian Vulture
Photo Information
Copyright: Akshay Harith (S_Akshay) Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 30 W: 11 N: 118] (587)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008
Categories: Birds
Camera: Nikon DSLR D200, Sigma100-300mm HSM APO with sigma 1.4XTC
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-06-16 10:04
Viewed: 381
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Falconiformes

Family: Accipitridae

Genus: Neophron
Savigny, 1809
Species: N. percnopterus


Binomial name
Neophron percnopterus

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)[1] is a small Old World vulture, found from southwestern Europe and northern Africa to southern Asia. It is the only living member of the genus Neophron.[2] In Southern Asia this species is called the Scavenger Vulture.

The adult Egyptian Vulture usually measures 85 cm from the point of the beak to the extremity of the tail and 1.7 meters between the tips of the wings. It weighs about 2.1 kilograms.

The adult plumage is white, with some black feathers in the wings and tail. Due to its habits—stalking around carcasses on usually dusty ground to wait for its turn—the plumage dulls quickly, and birds before moult are beige rather than pure white. Also, individuals occasionally seem to "paint" themselves with soil containing iron oxide, as Lammergeiers do, turning their plumage a pinkish buff; hence the German name Schmutzgeier ("dirt-vulture"). Its facial skin is yellow, turning orange during nesting periods, and is devoid of feathers. The tail is diamond-shaped, so it is easily distinguished in flight.

The nestlings are dark brown and gradually become light until they reach adulthood at the age of five.

Egyptian Vultures are scavengers, mainly feeding off carrion, but they also prey on small mammals and eggs. Due to its relatively small size, it needs to wait until other scavengers (such as the larger Gyps vultures, hyenas, and lions) finish their meal before it may start feeding. Its head and beak are well fitted for this situation. As with other vultures, it is believed that the bare skin prevents food from sticking to it. Using its long beak, an Egyptian Vulture can tear off small pieces of meat left by larger scavengers. The thin beak also can fit through narrow spaces between bones to get food that large-beaked vultures cannot reach.

The Egyptian Vulture reaches sexual maturity at the age of five and breeds in the same manner as most other birds of prey. They mate for life. The nests are built in areas of cliffs and slopes on inaccessible ledges or niches in rocky walls. Both the male and the female take part in the nest construction. They use branches for the frame and upholster it with garbage and food remains (skeletons of small mammals, turtle shells, etc.). They carry the nesting materials in their beaks, unlike most other raptors, who use their talons instead. The nest is reupholstered continually during the nesting and brooding period. The female lays two white eggs with dark brown spots (measurements: 94 grams in weight, 65x55 millimeter length and width) with a few days interval between them. This usually occurs between the end of March and the end of April.

HEllo friends,

This is a picture of the Egyptian Vulture photographed at Mavathur long time back in January.I used sigma1.4x TC.A handheld shot.
I am sorry. I AM NOT ABLE TO CRITIQUE YOUR PICTURES BECAUSE OF MY SCHOOL.I WILL SURELY DO IT ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
vanderschelden, SelenE has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Akshay,
I remember the day when we shot this! This is a very good picture of a very rare bird. The colors are good and the sharpness too!
Don't worry about critiques young man School is priority No.1 :-)
TFS
Goutham

Hello Akshat,
Good portrait of this Egyptian vulture in India:-)
TFS
Annick

Hello Akshat
Nice shot of this Egyptian vulture.
TFS
Ralf

Hi Junior,

Nice picture, though if given the situation, little lower angle would have been still better, I feel. Well you have army of people to guide you [not to mention your father:)].

  • Great 
  • SelenE Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2339 W: 59 N: 3777] (12120)
  • [2008-06-17 8:55]

Hi Akshay,
Nice capture of this egyptian. Good POV and details. TFS
Greetings,
Selen

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