greater yellow headed vulture greater yellow headed vulture known forest vulture species bird new world vulture family considered species lesser yellow headed vulture split found south_america tropical moist lowland forests fairly large bird wingspan weight kilograms body length body plumage black head neck range color deep yellow pale orange lacks limited low greater yellow headed vulture feeds sight smell ability rare birds dependent larger king vulture open hides larger animal bill strong like greater yellow headed vulture utilizes stay aloft minimal effort lays eggs flat surfaces floors caves stumps feeds young taxonomy greater yellow headed lesser yellow headed vulture distinguished separate species described species earlier known yellow headed greater yellow headed vulture genus means greek common vulture derived latin word meaning reference feeding habits exact taxonomic placement greater yellow headed vulture remaining species remains unclear similar appearance similar ecological roles evolved different ancestors different parts world different currently debate earlier authorities suggesting new world closely related recent authorities assert overall position order old world place order removed new world instead placed notes possible description greater yellow headed vulture centimetres length wingspan centimetres tail length centimetres weight averaging kilograms plumage black green purple throat sides head skin head ranges color deep yellow pale orange blue crown area near nostrils pale pinkish wings black flight feathers lighter shade primary feathers appear white seen tail rounded long vulture extending slightly tip closed wing sexes similar head dull juveniles resemble adults eyes red feet black flesh colored eye single incomplete row upper lid rows lower lid thick rounded hooked tip habit portions legs white acid toes long small bases adapted opening longitudinal set soft lack like new world greater yellow headed vulture lacks unable sound low differs appearance similar lesser yellow headed vulture ways larger lesser yellow headed vulture longer broader tail plumage dark glossy black contrast lesser yellow headed vulture plumage legs darker color head yellow orange pink lesser yellow headed vulture wings broader flight unlike members genus greater yellow headed vulture relatively dark inner contrast slightly paler outer greater yellow headed vulture prefers live forests lesser yellow headed vulture prefers inhabit heavily built lesser yellow headed vulture greater yellow headed vulture somewhat larger turkey vulture distinguished species relatively close range differing head coloration coloration similar turkey vulture greater yellow headed usually faint broad dark band vertically middle wings distribution habitat greater yellow headed vulture found tropical south_america specifically south eastern colombia southern eastern venezuela french northern western brazil northern eastern peru eastern ecuador found west north relatively open regions northern south_america eastern south_america southern subtropical regions large range estimated global extent occurrence square kilometers natural habitat tropical moist lowland forests generally found high altitude regions common heavily forested regions rarely far forested areas provide shelter nesting areas ecology behavior greater yellow headed vulture high exposed dead trees observe surrounding terrain flying travels pairs rarely found groups flight heavy steady flies wings held flat slightly horizontal called position flight greater yellow headed example static soaring flight uses maintain altitude need wings greater yellow headed vulture unusual habit legs cool behavior exhibited diet greater yellow headed vulture entirely eat animal prefers fresh meat cut larger animal strong tear tough hide days greater yellow headed vulture longer feed piece meat begin decay contaminated drink water pool pond provided like play important role ecosystem breeding ground disease greater yellow headed vulture keen locate ground uses sense smell ability uncommon world detecting scent gas produced beginnings decay dead animals lobe brain responsible processing particularly large compared animals characteristic humans injected engineers looking leaks follow king lack ability smell follow greater yellow headed king vulture tears open skin dead animal allows smaller greater yellow headed vulture access food bill strong tear hide larger animals example mutual dependence species generally displaced turkey king larger size reproduction greater yellow headed build nests lay eggs directly cliffs floors caves ground stumps eggs cream colored brown spots particularly larger end clutch size ranges norm chicks blind naked relatively hatching grow feathers later parents feed young pre food chicks drink young months conservation greater yellow headed vulture listed species concern iucn estimated global range square kilometers population individuals evidence suggests decline species population significant warrant upgrade conservation status
Greater yellow-headed vulture