Griffon vulture

About This Project

The glider of the Pyrenees

Griffon vultures glide high in the sky, searching for carrion. They are gregarious creatures and live in colonies, building their nests on cliff ledges. They play an important health role: by cleaning up carcasses, they prevent the spread of disease.   

This species has nonetheless almost disappeared from France: in 1960 there were only about twenty pairs, in the Pyrenees. As a result of protective measures and reintroduction programmes, 2500 Griffon vultures were counted in France in 2019.

You will see our Griffon vultures when you go into the large aviary they share with the African white-backed vultures.

.. and during the birds’ display!

Species in the ESB

Latin name: Gyps fulvus
Class: Aves
Order: Accipitriformes
Family: Accipitridae
Size: 95 – 105 cm long, wingspan 255 – 280 cm
Weight: 7.5 – 11 kg
Lifespan: 30 – 50 years
Incubation: 48 – 55 days
Number of eggs: 1
Habitat: mid-level mountain regions
Diet: carrion-eater
Distribution: from Portugal to the mountains of central Asia and India, north Africa.
Conservation status: not at risk

Category
Aves