Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Species
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Taken at Extremadura, Spain, on November 13th 2018.
Taken at Extremadura, Spain, on November 13th 2018.
(1/500th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)
Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). Taken at Extremadura, Spain, on November 14th 2018.
Taken at Extremadura, Spain, on November 14th 2018.
(1/1250th sec at f13. Click image for larger version. © David Hastings)

Description

L: 95 - 110 cm; WS: 230 - 265 cm

The Griffon Vulture is a typical Old World vulture in appearance, with a very white bald head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers.

It is resident in the mountains of the Mediterranean area, also Turkey and the Caucasus. 90% of the European population is found in Spain.

Spanish birds are mostly resident, but there is a southward migration across the Straits of Gibraltar between September and November.

Griffon Vultures soar and glide frequently, often appearing in loose flocks. They nest on cliff ledges, often in colonies of 10-20 pairs.

Although declining in Europe it is still regarded as being of Least Concern by the IUCN.

Sightings

16-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain
15-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain
14-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain
13-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain
12-Nov-2018 : Extremadura, Spain
19-Jul-2018 : Vercors Natural Park, France (5)

07-Nov-2016 : Laja de la Zarga, Spain (75+)
05-Nov-2016 : El Cabrito, Spain (500+)
04-Nov-2016 : Huerta Grande, Spain (200+)
03-Nov-2016 : Montejaque, Spain (18+)
03-Nov-2016 : Los Riscos, Spain (20+)
03-Nov-2016 : Embalse de Montejaque, Spain (50+)

20-Jun-2014 : Valchi Dol, Bulgaria (20+)

29-Apr-2013 : Massif des Baronnies, France (c40)

11-Sep-2010 : Nr Tarifa, Spain
10-Sep-2010 : El Algarrobo, Spain