So we find ourselves back at the beginning of another week of Wild Facts. I hope you all had a great weekend and are prepared to learn about the amazing Red-Headed Vulture on this beautiful Monday. This particular bird has a few other names including the Asian King Vulture, Indian Black Vulture and my personal favourite, the Pondicherry Vulture. Historically this bird species was found all throughout southern Asia, however, their range has diminished dramatically as today they are found primarily in Northern India. The good news is they are still around, even if they were classed as Critically Endangered in 2007 by the IUCN. Well, let’s learn a little more about these vultures before they disappear entirely.
Flying in Style
The Red-Headed Vulture has a sense of style with their dark black feathers and bright red head. The adults tend to be a little flashier than the juveniles, which is the complete opposite with humans (I still don’t understand those baggy pants kids wear these days). Typically, the adults will have a bright red or orange head devoid of most feathers while the juveniles tone it down with a pale red head. Young or old, the Red-Headed Vulture has an unique look.
Sneaky Vultures
Like other vultures, they typically feed on carrion and can often be found around the carcasses of large mammals. In these instances, they are often sharing the food with a variety of vulture species. Despite the gaudy appearance of the Red-Headed Vulture they tend to be quite timid when other vultures are feeding off of the same animal. This just goes to show that there is a hierarchy around every dinner table. Although they may be timid, the Red-Headed Vulture can still be sneaky and has been known to steal food from their dinner mates. Perhaps the timidness is just a ploy so the other birds drop their guard!
Two is Better Than One
When they aren’t sharing a meal with other vultures, the Red-Headed Vulture tends to spend their time alone or in a pair. They are rarely seen congregating in a group. When a male and female meet they will typically perform a variety of aerial acrobats to impress the other. Once this pair forms they will become a team and work together to defend their territory. I guess two is always better than one.
That does it for today’s Wild Fact. Enjoy the rest of your day and I will see you tomorrow.
