Especially in the mornings the magnificent griffon vulture sails high in the air and looks out for carrion. With their beaks they first tear a whole into the abdomial wall, sticks their head and neck deep into the carcase and eats the internal organs. Since the neck is only sparsely feathered it can be easily cleaned of blood and meat remnants. After the meal only fur and bones remain of the carcass. That is also how vultures prevent the spread of diseases.
Category: Birds
Size: beak to tail 97 to 104cm; wingspan 250cm
Breeding duration: 48-54 days
Age: up to 37 years
Sexually mature: up to 4-5 years
Reproduction: 1 egg
food: Carrion
habitat: open, especially mountain landscapes
Danger: exterminated in Germany, not endangered throughout the distribution area
Breeding program: There is a European Breeding Book (ESB) in which Görlitz Nature Conservation Zoo participates.
distribution area
