Eurasian Griffon Vulture

birds of prey · vultures · scavengers · Europe and Asia

Enormous sky rider. The Eurasian griffon vulture has a wingspan of about 9 feet, making it one of the largest flying birds in Europe. It can soar for hours without flapping its wings by riding warm air currents called thermals.

Super sharp vision. This vulture can spot a dead animal from miles away in the sky, which is an incredibly useful talent since it only eats carrion, or dead meat that it finds on the ground.

Mountain home. These vultures live in rocky mountains and cliffs across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, where they build their nests on steep cliff sides that are safe from predators.

Nature's cleanup crew. Griffon vultures are essential for the environment because they eat carcasses that would otherwise rot and spread disease, playing a vital role as nature's sanitation system.

Pale and powerful. These vultures have creamy white and brown feathers, with bald heads and long, powerful hooked beaks designed perfectly for tearing into tough animal skin.