Description
The Cinereous Vulture—also called the Black Vulture or Monk Vulture—is one of the largest scavenging birds in Eurasia (Accipitridae). It sports dark brown plumage, a loose ruff of neck feathers resembling a monk’s cowl, a massive hooked bill, and an impressive wingspan.

Key Facts

• Scientific name: Aegypius monachus

• Average size: body length ~100–110 cm; wingspan 250–300 cm

• Weight: up to 12 kg

• Habitat: mountain woodlands, steppes, semi-deserts

Lifestyle
Typically solitary or in loose groups; breeding pairs occupy large territories. Nests are built high in old trees or on cliffs; one egg is laid and incubated for ~55 days. Diurnal, soaring for hours to locate carrion, then diving steeply to feed.

Conservation Status
Near Threatened (NT). Populations are small and declining due to poisoning, habitat loss, collisions with power lines, and illegal shooting. Listed in national Red Data Books across its range.

Range
Southern Europe (notably Spain), Turkey, the Caucasus, Central Asia; rare vagrant in Ukraine (historically present in Crimea).