Critically Endangered Birds

White-headed Vulture

Trigonoceps occipitalis

White-headed Vulture scavenges large carcasses in African savannas and dry areas.

Scientific name	Trigonoceps occipitalis
Swahili name	Mkorogo wa kichwa-cheupe
Conservation status	Critically Endangered
Class	Aves
Order	Accipitriformes
Family	Accipitridae
Size	Male: 4.5-6.2 kg; Female: 4.5-6.2 kg, wingspan approximately 2.26 meters

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How to identify

Head unfeathered with prominent white skin; body plumage mainly dark brown; broad wings with finger-like wing tips in flight; short, square tail; strong beak adapted for tearing flesh

Habitat

Open woodland savanna, open shrubland, valleys, and semi-arid areas

Diet

Primarily scavenger, feeding on large animal carcasses, also preys on small animals and bird eggs

When it is active

Diurnal, mainly active during the day

Where it lives

Sub-Saharan Africa, mainly found in Kenya, Tanzania (including Masai Mara), South Africa, Botswana, and other regions

How to spot it

Observe at dawn or dusk in open grasslands or near carcasses, use binoculars to watch from a distance to avoid disturbance

Photography tips

Use a telephoto lens to capture moments of flight or feeding, pay attention to light angle to highlight the white features of the head

Threats

Habitat loss, reduction in food resources, poisoning from pesticides and toxic baits, illegal hunting

Similar species

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus): white back feathers, different head skin color; White-headed Vulture has a more bare head with more prominent white skin

📖 how to spot the white headed vulture on safari