Himalayan Vulture

Gyps himalayensis

Family: Kites, Old World Vultures, Eagles, and Hawks · Status: Vagrant · Size: 115–125 cm · Conservation: Near Threatened

Range

Resident in the Himalayas, from northern Pakistan and northern India through southern Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan to central China. Mostly sedentary; juveniles occasionally disperse south to lower altitudes, with records from across Southeast Asia.

Identification

Juvenile has pale cream head and long slender neck; dark brown upperparts and underparts with whitish streaks; black flight and tail feathers. In flight, very long broad wings and short wedge-shaped tail; whitish-streaked underwing coverts contrast with blackish flight feathers.

Habitat

Open country. May be encountered in flight anywhere in Singapore.

Behaviour

Feeds on carrion, soaring and gliding over wide areas to locate carcasses. Often travels in small groups.