Egyptian Vulture vs Lappet-faced Vulture

In short

The Egyptian Vulture is easily distinguished by its smaller size and striking white plumage with black flight feathers, while the Lappet-faced Vulture is much larger, with a predominantly dark plumage and a distinctive bare, red face. Both species are scavengers, but their size and plumage differences are the most reliable field marks.

Identification tips

1. Look for size: Egyptian Vultures are much smaller. 2. Check plumage: white with black wings for Egyptian, dark for Lappet-faced. 3. Observe the face: yellow and feathered for Egyptian, red and bare for Lappet-faced. 4. Note habitat: Egyptian Vultures are more adaptable to human presence.

Size

The Egyptian Vulture is significantly smaller, with a wingspan of about 1.7 meters, compared to the Lappet-faced Vulture's wingspan of up to 2.9 meters.

Plumage

Egyptian Vultures have white plumage with contrasting black flight feathers and a yellow face. Lappet-faced Vultures have dark brown to black plumage with a bare, red face and large, fleshy lappets.

Behaviour

Both species are scavengers, often seen soaring high in the sky. However, the Lappet-faced Vulture is more dominant at carcasses due to its larger size.

Habitat

Both species inhabit open and semi-arid areas, but the Egyptian Vulture is more likely to be found in a wider range of habitats, including urban areas, while the Lappet-faced Vulture prefers more remote, arid regions.

Voice

Both species are generally silent, but the Lappet-faced Vulture may produce grunts and hisses at carcasses.