Description:
The King Vulture is the largest
of New World Vultures (other than
condors). The average King Vulture
measures 32 inches in length and
has a wingspan of six and a half
feet. The adult is unmistakable
with a multi-colored, featherless
head, bright orange or pink neck,
and conspicuous white eyes. There
is a fleshy, yellow wattle that
hangs from the base of the bill.
The base of the neck has a "ruff" of
grayish feathers. The massive body
is white or off-white with black
wing tips. Females and males are
similar.
Diet: The
King Vulture feeds on carrion.
Most scientists believe that King
Vultures do not rely on their sense
of smell to locate carrion, but
rather, follow other vultures.
King Vultures are dominant over
other vultures at carcasses and
often begin the process of tearing
the carcass apart so that other
vultures can feed.
Range/Habitat: The
King Vulture is found in southern
Mexico, Central America, and South
America (south to northern Argentina).
They are generally found high up
in the trees in mature, tropical
woodlands.
Reproduction: The
reproductive life of the King Vultures
has rarely been seen in the wild.
The female lays one egg in a tree
crevice or stump. Both parents
incubate the egg. The parents feed
the young vulture by regurgitating
food from their crops.
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