Wild Birds

Cape Griffon

Cape Griffon (Gyps coprotheres)

The Cape Griffon or Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) is endemic to southern Africa and is found mainly in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, and Mozambique.

It could formerly be found in Swaziland, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, but is now extinct in Swaziland and only small, non-breeding groups can be found in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Its population is estimated at 8,000.

Cape Griffon Tear Off Pieces Of Flesh From a Carcass
Cape Griffon Tear Off Pieces Of Flesh From a Carcass

Description

It measures about 1 m (3.3 ft) in length and has a wingspan of about 2.4 m (7.9 ft). It weighs about 9.4 kg (21 lb).

The plumage is creamy-buff except for the dark flight and tail feathers. The bill is black. The eyes are honey-colored eyes. The bluish throat is featherless.

Immature birds can be identified by their brown eyes and pink necks.

Breeding / Nesting

They nest on cliffs and usually lay one egg per year.

Gordon Ramel

Gordon is an ecologist with two degrees from Exeter University. He's also a teacher, a poet and the owner of 1,152 books. Oh - and he wrote this website.

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