Griffon Vultures

Griffon Vultures are large, social birds that feed on dead animals. They have long, wide wings and relatively short tails that help them glide smoothly through the air. They usually have pale feathers with darker feathers on their wings and a noticeable ring of feathers around the base of their neck, which is why they are called Griffon Vultures. Their heads and necks are covered with short soft down instead of feathers, which helps keep them clean when eating carcasses. These vultures live in mountainous and open areas across southern Europe, Africa, and Asia. They build their nests together on cliff faces. Griffon Vultures are very social and often gather in large groups when feeding or resting. When they fly, their wing tips look like fingers and their tails are slightly wedge-shaped. This makes them easy to recognise even from a long way away as they soar on rising warm air currents.