Class: Aves

Order: Falconiformes

Scientific Name: Necrosyrtes monachus

Range: Mauritania east to Ethiopia and south to Namibia and South Africa, except areas of uninterrupted forest or desert.

Habitat: Mainly open woodland and savanna.

Diet: Wild: Carrion and some small insects.

Gestation: Incubation: 48-54 days. Fledging is 89 to 130 days.

Litter: Clutch size: Single egg with reddish spots on whitish base. Young chick is helpless.

Life Span: Unknown

Description: 67-70 cm – 2023 6 m – wingspan 176 cm – small vulture with long thin bill and pink face that can flush to bright purple. Sexes alike.

Did You Know? Builds stick nest in upper branches preferably of baobob or silk cotton degs in foliage and not in crown. Parents alternate roles in raising offspring for up to 4 months after first flight. Seen to use stones to open found eggs for food.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Conservation Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.