King Vulture

South America · vultures · tropical birds · scavengers

Huge and rare. King vultures are enormous birds found only in the tropical forests from Mexico all the way down to Argentina. They're the sole living member of their special genus, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

Named for a reason. These vultures earned their royal title by being the largest and most impressive vultures in their family. Their bold appearance and commanding presence make them stand out among other vultures.

Forest dwellers. King vultures live in tropical lowland forests where the air is warm and humid. These dense, green habitats provide perfect hunting grounds for finding food.

Clever scavengers. Like other vultures, king vultures hunt for dead animals to eat. They have amazing eyesight that helps them spot meals from high up in the sky.

Colorful feathers. Unlike many birds, king vultures have bare, colorful skin on their heads and necks. This unusual look helps them stay clean while eating and makes them easy to recognize.