Schmutzgeier im Zoo Zürich

Egyptian vulture

Neophron percnopterus

Egyptian vultures are among the few birds that use tools. They use stones to crack open the hard shells of large birds’ eggs, thereby gaining access to their contents.

EN

Red List
Endangered
Breeding programme

With their weak beaks, Egyptian vultures are more reliant on scavenging than other vultures. They are usually the last to be allowed to feed on carrion.

However, Egyptian vultures are also skilful hunters of small animals, insect hunters and resourceful nest raiders. They drop smaller bird’s eggs onto stony ground to crack them open. They crack larger bird’s eggs by throwing stones at the eggshells.

Taxonomy

Accipitridae, Neophron (1 species)

Habitat

dry tree and shrub savannah, rocks and cliffs, settlement area

Migratory behaviour

northern populations migrate towards Africa and India; otherwise, they are generally sedentary

Social structure

in pairs or in small groups

Taxonomy

Accipitridae, Neophron (1 species)

Habitat

dry tree and shrub savannah, rocks and cliffs, settlement area

Migratory behaviour

northern populations migrate towards Africa and India; otherwise, they are generally sedentary

Social structure

in pairs or in small groups

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Egyptian vulture for CHF 300.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Egyptian vulture for CHF 300.–

Become a godparent
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