General Information

The King Vulture or American King Vulture, is the most strikingly colored of the New World vultures.

Physical Description

The King Vulture is the largest New World vulture apart from the condors, at about 32 in in length. It weighs 7.2 lbs and has a wingspan of 6.6 ft. It has a yellow fleshy crest or wattle on its bill, and its bare skinned head is yellow and red. The plumage of the King Vulture is black and grey, but it has pink and yellow tinges. The eyes are straw-colored in the adult Vultures and there is little sexual dimorphism between the male and female.

Diet

In terms of behavior, King Vultures are typical vultures. They feed on carrion, and search for their prey by flight. They may also use their spectacular sense of smell to help locate their prey. However, the King Vulture will sometimes rely on Turkey Vultures and Condors to sniff out prey, and they will simply follow them to the carcasses. When the group of vultures gather at a carcass, the King Vulture will prove its dominance and greater strength by opening carcasses that most are unable to exploit.

Habitat

The King Vulture is native to tropical lowland forests. Its range extends from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, and it can be found at heights up to 1200 m.

Reproduction

Usually the female Vulture only lays one egg, and both parents take care of the incubation duties. When hatched, the chicks have brown plumage, and do not acquire adult coloration until about 18 months of age.