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What is a Vulture?

Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

A vulture is a scavenging bird of prey. There are about 20 different species of vulture, divided into the Old World and New World varieties. Old World vultures belong to the family Accipitridae, while New World vultures belong to the Cathartidae. These two groups are not closely related, and their similarities are due to convergent evolution rather than to a genetic relationship.

Many types of vulture have a bald head and neck, which helps the bird stay clean, especially when plunging its head deep into a carcass. Old World vultures typically find their prey by sight, while New World vultures usually rely on their sense of smell. The vulture usually eats dead carcasses, but it may also feed on sick or injured animals. Because its food source is not consistent, the vulture eats as much as it can when food is available, storing it in a portion of the gastrointestinal tract called the crop and digesting it slowly while resting. Food regurgitated from the crop is fed to vulture young.

Vulture populations in some countries have been devastated by the use of diclofenac to treat farm animals.
Vulture populations in some countries have been devastated by the use of diclofenac to treat farm animals.

The vulture is endangered in India and Pakistan due to poisoning from a drug given to farm animals. In the last decade, the vulture population in these countries was diminished by 95%. Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is given to sick farm animals in order to keep them working despite their pain. When they die, however, the drug is present in their system, and vultures that feed on the carcass are exposed to it. Though vultures can ingest bacteria that cause botulism, cholera, and anthrax with no ill effects, diclofenac is fatal to the birds.

Vultures play an important role in nature by consuming dead animals that could spread infection to people and pets if left alone.
Vultures play an important role in nature by consuming dead animals that could spread infection to people and pets if left alone.

Though vultures are considered unsavory in Western culture, they serve an important function, and their loss is a cause for concern. Without vultures, decaying animals threaten humans and pets with infection. Other scavengers, like rats and feral dogs, spread disease among the living. The declining vulture population also has negative repercussions for traditional cultures in India that expose their dead rather than burying them. Consequently, the use of diclofenac has been banned in India. However, despite the ban and the existence of an alternative drug, meloxicam, some farmers continue to use diclofenac.

The vulture is often used as a symbol of opportunistic exploitation of the dead or of tragedy in Western culture, and people who are thought to profit from death in any way are sometimes referred to as vultures. In Ancient Egypt, however, the vulture was a symbol of motherhood and of lasting romantic love, as the Nubian Vulture of Africa closely bonds with both mates and offspring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a vulture?

A vulture is a bird of prey that is uniquely adapted to scavenging. They feed primarily on carrion, the decaying flesh of dead animals, which they locate with their keen eyesight or sense of smell. Vultures play a critical ecological role by disposing of carcasses that could otherwise spread disease.

How many species of vultures are there?

There are about 23 recognized species of vultures, divided into two groups: Old World vultures, found in Africa, Asia, and Europe, and New World vultures, including the well-known turkey vulture, found in the Americas. Each group evolved independently, a phenomenon known as convergent evolution.

Can vultures spread diseases?

Contrary to common misconceptions, vultures are not carriers of diseases but are actually important in preventing the spread of them. Their stomach acid is highly corrosive, allowing them to safely consume carcasses infected with bacteria such as anthrax and botulinum toxin without getting sick, thus eliminating these pathogens from the environment.

What adaptations do vultures have for scavenging?

Vultures have several adaptations for scavenging: a keen sense of sight or smell to locate food, a bald head to stay clean while feeding on carcasses, and a highly acidic digestive system to safely digest decaying meat. Some species, like the turkey vulture, have a keen sense of smell, which is rare among birds.

Are vulture populations at risk?

Many vulture species are facing significant threats and are at risk of extinction. Habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with wind turbines are among the main threats. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), several species are listed as critically endangered, making conservation efforts vital for their survival.

How do vultures contribute to the ecosystem?

Vultures are vital to healthy ecosystems. By consuming dead animals, they help prevent the spread of diseases and recycle nutrients back into the environment. Their role as nature's cleanup crew helps maintain the balance of ecosystems and supports the health of other wildlife and human communities.

Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...
Niki Foster
Niki Foster

In addition to her role as a AllThingsNature editor, Niki enjoys educating herself about interesting and unusual topics in order to get ideas for her own articles. She is a graduate of UCLA, where she majored in Linguistics and Anthropology.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

chrisinbama

I have a few more facts to add about vultures.

A group of vultures that are circling in the air is called a kettle, whereas a group of vultures walking around is called a venue. The turkey vulture is protected under the Migratory Bird Act.

dill1971

When we think of vultures, most of think of those hideous creatures we see eating the unfortunate road kill. I thought I would provide a little information about these not so pretty birds.

Vultures are usually resistant to most illnesses. They can withstand diseases that would likely kill other creatures or humans. They usually have one mate per year. The average lifespan of a vulture is 15 to 20 years. Some species live up to 50 years old.

Vultures do not have sweat glands so they cool themselves off by urinating. The turkey vulture makes a hissing sound when it feels threatened. Another defense mechanism for the turkey vulture is to vomit. Many predators can’t stand the foul odor and substance so they leave.

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    • Vulture populations in some countries have been devastated by the use of diclofenac to treat farm animals.
      By: fovito
      Vulture populations in some countries have been devastated by the use of diclofenac to treat farm animals.
    • Vultures play an important role in nature by consuming dead animals that could spread infection to people and pets if left alone.
      By: vluggevogel
      Vultures play an important role in nature by consuming dead animals that could spread infection to people and pets if left alone.