The King Vulture is a large species of New World vulture that lives across a variety of habitats through much of South America and parts of Central America. They are the largest vultures found in the new world, not including the two condor species (California and Andean).
The King Vulture is a scavenger, dining on deceased animals including beached fish, livestock carcasses, and dead wild animals, including sloths!
The King Vulture has a very unique look. The body plumage is contrasting buffy-white and black. The skin on the head is wrinkly, with a mixture of reddish-purple and black tones contrasting with the yellow and orange neck. The tip of the black bill is a deep red, with a yellow-orange, oddly-crested cere.
International Vulture Awareness Day is coming up this Saturday, September 6, 2025. We've celebrated vultures here on the Birdorable blog before, and we're continuing the tradition with a Vulture Week series leading up to the big day. We're going to share new posts and reiterate essential vulture... Read more »
International Vulture Awareness Day is coming up on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and it's the perfect time to celebrate these critical, though often misunderstood, birds. Observed on the first Saturday of September each year, IVAD shines a spotlight on vultures'; vital ecological roles; from cleaning... Read more »
The King Vulture is a striking bird with vibrant colors and a powerful presence, found throughout Central and South America. It’s one of the largest vultures in the New World, and it certainly lives up to its royal name with its impressive size and striking appearance. King... Read more »
Vultures are nature’s cleanup crew, often misunderstood but incredibly vital to the health of our ecosystems. These magnificent birds are found around the world, from the vast open skies of North America to the rugged mountain ranges of Africa and Asia. With their sharp... Read more »
