Critically Endangered Birds

Hooded Vulture

Necrosyrtes monachus

Hooded Vulture is a scavenger near African savannas and human settlements.

Scientific name	Necrosyrtes monachus
Swahili name	Ndege mwekundu
Conservation status	Critically Endangered
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: approximately 1.2-1.6 kg; Female: approximately 1.2-1.6 kg

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How to identify

Head and neck are bare of feathers, red or pink in color; back and wings dark brown; small body size, wingspan about 1.5 meters; tail short and square; beak slender and long, adapted for tearing carrion.

Habitat

Sparse woodland savanna, open shrubland, farmland and near villages, commonly found near human activity areas.

Diet

Primarily scavenger, feeding mainly on animal carcasses, also preys on small animals and insects.

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially in early morning and late afternoon.

Where it lives

Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda; commonly seen in Maasai Mara National Reserve.

How to spot it

Observe in early morning or late afternoon in open areas or near animal carcasses, use binoculars or telephoto lenses for photography, remain quiet to avoid disturbance.

Photography tips

Use natural light to capture the vivid bare head color, photograph feeding or flying postures, choose backgrounds of open sky or grassland for more vivid images.

Threats

Habitat loss, reduction in food resources, poisoning from pesticides and toxic baits, human persecution.

Similar species

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus), differs by larger size, white feathers on back; Hooded Vulture is smaller, with a more vivid bare head color and no feather coverage; White-backed Vulture is larger with distinct white back feathers.

📖 how to spot the hooded vulture on safari