Cape Vulture

Gyps coprotheres

A: Kransaasvoël
G: Kapgeier
N: ǁhoa kai-anis
Sp: Rrantšwe
Ss: Lening la selomo
Tw: Diswaane
X: ihlanga
Z: udlanga lentaba

BIRD FAMILY

Vultures

SIZE
105-115 cm (VL)

HABITAT
The common vulture of the central regions and ranging widely when not breeding. Often perches on pylons. Frequents and reliant on high cliffs when breeding (May–Oct); colonies then comprise dozens or hundreds of birds. Otherwise occurs singly or in groups anywhere, but rare in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

SPECIES DESCRIPTION
Common  endemic  resident but known to wander north. Similar to  White-backed Vulture , but larger. Adult (5yr+) is very pale in colour and may have an almost white back; at close range the eye is honey-coloured. In flight and seen from below, darker outer primaries contrast with paler inner flight feathers with row of spots along inner margin.  Immature  more rufous, warmer brown than  immature  of  White-backed Vulture , the neck pink with white feathers at the base.