Egyptian Vulture

vulture · Africa · tool user · scavenger

Rock-breaking expert. Egyptian vultures are one of the few animals that use tools. They pick up pebbles and rocks and throw them at large bird eggs to crack them open so they can eat the insides. It's like having a built-in hammer for tough jobs.

Striking wing pattern. These vultures have bold black and white feathers that make them easy to spot in the sky. Their wedge-shaped tail and contrasting underwing colors help them stand out as they soar on warm air currents called thermals.

Wide wanderers. Egyptian vultures live across a huge area, from Spain and North Africa all the way to India and West Asia. They travel to wherever food and good soaring conditions can be found.

Flexible eaters. While they mostly eat dead animals they find on the ground, Egyptian vultures will also hunt small mammals, birds, and reptiles if they get the chance. They're opportunistic hunters who eat whatever is available.

Ancient nickname. People have called this vulture 'pharaoh's chicken' for thousands of years, showing how long humans have noticed and respected this bird.