Eurasian Griffon Vulture

A massive, broad-winged scavenger and one of Europe's largest birds. It has a sandy-brown body and dark flight feathers. A white, downy ruff surrounds its long, pale neck. It lives in mountainous regions and open plateaus, especially in Spain and France. These vultures are highly social. They gather in large groups to feed on the carcasses of large mammals.

Vultures are masters of soaring. They spend hours on thermal updrafts with their wings held in a slight 'V' shape. They scan the ground for carrion using incredible eyesight. They also watch the behavior of ravens to find food. At a carcass, they follow a strict hierarchy and use hissing displays. They nest in colonies on inaccessible cliff ledges.