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Size and Weight: Length is about 80 cm (32 inches) and
the wingspan reaches over 200 cm (7 feet). Its weight may reach
3000-3700 gms (6.5-8 lbs).
Diet: Like other vultures, the King Vulture is a carrion
feeder, relying on mostly mammals including livestock. They appear
not to feed on snakes, small rodents or fish.
Habitat and Distribution: Found from southern Mexico to
northern Argentina, this is a bird of the tropical rainforests
and wooded lowlands from sea level up to 3000 feet.
Status in the Wild: This species, though not common, is
not considered to be threatened or endangered. Numbers may be
declining due to habitat destruction and poaching.
Status in Captivity: There is a studbook for this species
which tracks all breeding birds and their progeny recorded in
captivity. ISIS (2002) reports 196 King Vultures in the World
captive population, 106 of those located in North America.
Habits and Adaptations: This species is not colonial like
many other vultures. They are seen most often singly or in pairs,
even at a carcass. The name King Vulture is probably a result
of this species domination of other vultures and scavengers at
a carcass. They open the tough hide and their feast is followed
by Black and Turkey Vultures who aren't quite as strong. Food
location seems to be primarily by sight. Though some references
include smell as a factor, recent studies indicate that it is
probably not (Weidensaul, 1996). King Vultures may observe Turkey
and Yellow-headed Vultures, who are thought to have a good sense
of smell, in order to locate carrion.
Breeding and Maturation: Though not much is known about
nesting habits of wild King Vultures, they seem to nest high in
trees in dense forests near water. They lay one egg per season
which they incubate for 52-58 days. The chick is a covered with
soft white down and has a black head. Fledging may occur as early
as 2.5-3 months but the juvenile may stay with the parents up
to 8 months. Both parents share in parental care and feeding.
Lifespan: In 1993, a 42 year old King Vulture was still
alive in captivity. Longevity of wild birds is unknown.
Conservation Issues: The King Vulture seems to be relatively
adaptable but does rely on tropical forests for survival. Interestingly,
this bird seems to have disappeared from areas where the Scarlet
Macaw, not a particularly adaptable species, has also declined
or disappeared.
Noteworthy: Vultures of all kinds have been long associated
with death, bad luck and general pestilence. Ancient Mayan glyphs
depict king vultures as the symbol for the rank of king.
Bibliography
Brown, Leslie and Amadon, Dean. 1968. Eagles, Hawks and Falcons
of the World. Volumes 1 & 2. Country Life Books. Great Britain.
Burton, P. 1991. American Nature Guides. Gallery Books, New York.
Eitniear, J. 1982. King Vulture: The Only True Rainforest Vulture.
AFA Watchbird, p. 48-49.
Newton, Ian. 1990. Birds of Prey. Facts on File. New York.
Weidensaul, Scott. 1996. Raptors: The birds of prey. Lyons and
Burford, Publishers. New York.
Photos: Adult from Newton, Ian. 1990. Birds of Prey. Facts
on File. New York. Juvenile by Joanna Eckles.
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