Endangered Birds

Lappet-faced Vulture

Torgos tracheliotos

Lappet-faced Vulture is a large scavenger feeding on big carcasses in African drylands.

Scientific name	Torgos tracheliotos
Swahili name	Ndege mwekundu
Conservation status	Endangered
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	(Vultures)
Size	Male: 6.2-9.4 kg; Female: 6.2-9.4 kg, wingspan approximately 2.5-2.9 meters

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How to identify

Large, featherless head ranging from pink to red; one of the largest vultures in Africa; strong, hooked beak; broad wings with wedge-shaped tips in flight; plumage mainly dark brown to black

Habitat

Dry open woodland savanna, semi-desert, shrubland, and open plains

Diet

Obligate scavenger feeding on large animal carcasses; occasionally preys on small live animals

When it is active

Diurnal, primarily active during the day

Where it lives

Mainly distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania (Masai Mara region), Ethiopia, and South Africa

How to spot it

Observe at dawn or dusk in open areas or near carcasses; use binoculars or telephoto lenses; maintain distance to avoid disturbance

Photography tips

Use telephoto lenses to capture flight or feeding moments; utilize natural light to highlight the featherless head; choose clear backgrounds to enhance image depth