Critically Endangered Birds

White-backed Vulture

Gyps africanus

White-backed Vulture, a scavenger feeding on large carcasses in African savannas.

Scientific name	Gyps africanus
Swahili name	Kiboko mweupe
Conservation status	Critically Endangered
Class	Aves
Order	Ciconiiformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: 6-7 kg; Female: 7-8 kg, wingspan approximately 2.1-2.3 meters

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How to identify

Distinctive white back feathers; head unfeathered with grayish-white skin; large body size with broad wingspan; strong beak adapted for tearing carcasses; neck extended during flight

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, open grasslands, shrublands, and areas near river valleys

Diet

Obligate scavenger, primarily feeding on large mammal carcasses

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, utilizing thermal currents for soaring

Where it lives

Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania’s Masai Mara Reserve

How to spot it

Observe during early morning and late afternoon when thermals are active; often gather near large carcasses

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture flight posture; pay attention to light direction to highlight details of the white back feathers

Threats

Poisoning from pesticides and toxic baits; habitat loss; reduction in food resources; illegal hunting

Similar species

White-headed Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is overall lighter and creamy white, larger in size; White-backed Vulture has dark brown upperparts with white patches only on lower back and rump.

📖 how to spot the white backed vulture on safari