FOR AGES 3 YEARS TO 18 YEARS
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
A greater yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes melambrotus) is a bird species belonging to the Cathartidae family. These New World vultures are mostly found in lowland grassland and tropical rainforest. These birds often compete with turkey vultures over the same area in a particular habitat. A greater yellow-headed vulture feeds on carcasses and carrion, which are the dead and decaying bodies of animals. These birds are dependant on the king vulture for their consumption of food. They often wait for the king vulture, possessing a sharp beak, to cut into the hide of the carcasses.
These birds are known to be monogamous, having a single partner throughout their lives. After mating, the female bird lays around one to two eggs inside caves or crevices. The young receive parental care upon hatching and leave the nest at two to three months of age. These birds often fall prey to a red-tailed hawk and golden eagle. The International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN Red List has listed the greater yellow-headed vulture as species of Least Concern.
If you liked reading this article, then do check out the collared falconet and lesser spotted eagle.
The greater yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes melambrotus) is a bird of prey that belongs to the Cathartidae family. It is one of three species belonging to the genus Cathartes.
These New World vultures belong to the class Aves. The scientific name of this species is Cathartes melambrotus.
The exact number of individuals present in the world is not known. These birds are known to have a decreasing trend in population.
These birds inhabit South America and some parts of Central America. In South America, they are found in Argentina, northern and western parts of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, the northern part of Bolivia, Venezuela, and Suriname. They reside in large numbers in the Amazon Basin region, located in the eastern part of the Andes mountain range. In Central America, they inhabit Guatemala and Honduras. These birds generally reside up to an elevation of 2296-3280 ft (700-1000 m) from sea level.
These birds are generally found in low-lying areas of tropical forests and grassland. The tropical forests of South America include the Amazon rainforest. This habitat is characterized by high temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. Vegetation mostly includes broad-leafed evergreen trees forming a thick canopy. They prefer residing in areas that provide sufficient shelter. They are also found in grassland that is in close proximity to forests. These eagles inhabit mangroves and swamps. These birds are known to compete with turkey vultures, another species of the same genus, to occupy certain areas.
These birds, like other species of vulture, are found in groups. They usually forage, roost, and fly together in groups. Their groups are known as committee, volt, or menu.
The exact lifespan of these birds is not known. The average lifespan of these New World vultures can be assumed to be around 10-30 years. These birds often fall prey to a red-tailed hawk and golden eagle.
These birds are known to be monogamous, having a single partner throughout their lives. They build their nests in crevices or caves located on a steep rocky surface or cliff. They use the same nest every year during the breeding season. After mating, the female bird lays around one to two eggs inside the nest. The eggs are cream-colored with brown spots. The eggs are incubated by the pair for a span of 32-40 days. After hatching, the young receive parental care from both parent birds. They are fed with partially digested food, through the bill, by the parent bird. The young leave the nest at two to three months of age.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature or IUCN Red List has listed the greater yellow-headed vulture as a species of Least Concern. However, the destruction of habitat and climate change are a few of the major threats encountered by this species.
These birds possess a shiny black plumage with pale purple or green shades. The skin of their face has a distinct yellow shade, while that of the cheeks and necks are orange in color. The feathers on the underside of the large wings are black. They have a pinkish-white bill, a bluish crown on the head, and red eyes. Their legs and feet are pinkish-red in color.
These birds are not considered to be cute. However, bird enthusiasts might find them fascinating and majestic to watch while the birds are in flight.
These birds do not possess syrinx, a necessary vocal organ in birds that helps to produce sound. They do not communicate through calls. They generally communicate through rattling sounds, hisses, or grunts. Their olfactory sense and vision also help to perceive their surroundings.
This bird is around 29-31.8 in (74-81 cm) in length. It is larger than a black vulture which is 22-29 in (56-74 cm) in length.
The exact speed of this species of bird is not known. However, they have a steady flight with their wings held in a horizontal position.
A greater yellow-headed vulture (Cathartes melambrotus) weighs around 3.6 lb (1.65 kg).
The male and female birds of this species are commonly referred to as male greater yellow-headed vulture and female yellow-headed vulture.
A baby greater yellow-headed vulture is known as a chick.
Yellow-headed vultures feed on dead bodies or carcasses of animals. Their diet also includes decaying dead bodies of animals known as carrion. They locate carcasses using their powerful olfactory sense and vision. These birds do not have a very sharp beak, so they are often dependent on a king vulture, possessing a sharp beak, to make the initial cut on the hide or skin of carcasses. They later feed on this half-eaten flesh left by the king vulture. These birds are also known to prey on insects.
No, these birds should not be considered dangerous. They often compete with other species over occupying a particular area. They mostly feed on dead animals and do not impose any threat to humans.
There has been no record of keeping this species of bird as a pet. It is also illegal to own vultures in many parts of the world.
This bird was first identified by John Cassin, an American ornithologist, in 1845.
Lesser yellow-headed vultures differ from greater yellow-headed vultures with regard to their size, coloration of plumage, and head. Lesser yellow-headed vultures have a smaller size, smaller wingspan, and their heads are more orange-tinted in comparison to the yellow-tinted heads of greater yellow-headed vultures. They also have a brownish plumage while greater yellow-headed vultures possess a black plumage with pale green or purple shades.
These birds can be around 48 in (121.9 cm) tall. Their height differs from one species to the other.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other birds from our black woodpecker facts or grey kestrel facts pages.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable yellow-headed vulture coloring pages.
Read The Disclaimer
At Kidadl we pride ourselves on offering families original ideas to make the most of time spent together at home or out and about, wherever you are in the world. We strive to recommend the very best things that are suggested by our community and are things we would do ourselves - our aim is to be the trusted friend to parents.
We try our very best, but cannot guarantee perfection. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family.
Kidadl provides inspiration to entertain and educate your children. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate and suitable for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability.
Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising.
We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Please note: prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published.
Kidadl has a number of affiliate partners that we work with including Amazon. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.
We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
Was this article helpful?
We’ll send you tons of inspiration to help you find a hidden gem in your local area or plan a big day out.
Check your inbox for your latest news from us. You have subscribed to:
Remember that you can always manage your preferences or unsubscribe through the link at the foot of each newsletter.