Gypohierax angolensis

(Gmelin, 1788)

Vernacular names
English : Palm-nut vulture
French : Palmiste africain

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Accipitridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Small vulture species growing to 65 cm in length for a weight of 1,8 kg. Plumage mostly pure white except from back, tail and flight-feathers. Bright red to pink-red naked skin around eyes, cheeks and lores. Yellow-eyes, horn-colored bill.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to south Sudan, southwards to Angola. Also found in eastern coastal areas of Africa. Lives in tropical forest edges, wooded savannas, estuaries, mangroves, lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is the commonest vulture in most of its range and seems to be facing no threats at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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