Vulture - egyptian

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Pharaoh's Chicken Scientific Name: Neophron percnopterus

Basic Info

The Egyptian Vulture has a thin beak compared to other Vultures. Its face is a surprisingly bright yellow, with a black-and-white body measuring from 58 to 66 centimeters. Tails of Egyptian Vultures are wedge-shaped and the wings have black tips.

Health

Egyptian Vultures should only be kept by people experienced in the care of Vultures and in close consultation with a zoo or knowledgeable veterinarian. In captivity, it is best to feed them chicks, bone meal, chunked meat, mice and a vitamin supplement. Breeding Egyptian Vultures build rough stick nests on rocky ledges or trees and may even use other birds' abandoned nests. One or two eggs are laid over a period of several days and these eggs are incubated for about 42 days. Young Egyptian Vultures are reared by both parents and do not fly until they are about 90 days old. In fact, they will not be independent until they are five to six years old!

Habitat

Living in arid regions, like rocky mountains, deserts, or lowland hills

Behavior

The Egyptian Vulture is a rather unusual and interesting species of bird, with its importance in Egyptian hieroglyphics and its intelligent use of tools! Also known as Pharaoh's Chicken, the Egyptian Vulture lives in arid regions of Eurasia, migrating in summer to warm areas of Mediterranean Europe.The Egyptian Vulture uses rocks to break into the eggs, by bringing themselves up to full height and dropping the rock to crack the egg. Unfortunately, it appears that Egyptian Vultures have little to no aim, and the egg breaking may take a very long time and repeated attempts! Pharaoh's Chicken also eats insects like termites, and locusts, and occasionally dates. Small, slow mammals will also make nice meals. Egyptian Vultures nest in date palms or rocky ledges, and build messy, coarse nests of twigs or trash, basically whatever materials they can find readily. Generally, Egyptian Vultures resemble most Vultures in flight, preferring to soar with wings held straight. They hunt mostly in open country and lowlands, and their lifespan is unknown.

Origin

Africa

History

Living in arid regions, like rocky mountains, deserts, or lowland hills, the Egyptian Vulture inhabits Southern Europe and Southwestern Asia, as well as Africa. Historically, the Pharaoh's Chicken is portrayed in Egyptian hieroglyphs, and had the sign aleph (A) modeled after their shape.

Common Foods

It eats mostly carrion, but will occasionally steal eggs, ostrich eggs being a favorite.