The Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus) is a medium-sized bird of prey. It is also known as the Asian King Vulture or the Pondicherry Vulture.
The Red-Headed Vulture has a black-feathered body with a red featherless head. It has pale-grey bands at the base of its flight feathers. The male has whitish eyes, whereas the female has dark-brown eyes. It has pink legs and feet with large talons (claws).
Red-Headed Vulture (female)
It measures 76-86 centimetres (30-34 inches) tall, with a wingspan of 200-260 centimetres (78-102 inches).
The Red-Headed Vulture is native to India and some parts of south-east Asia. It prefers open country and semi-desert areas. It is also found in forests.
[Location of photographs: Paris Jardin du Plantes Zoo, France]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
