Lappet-faced Vulture vs Griffon Vulture
Torgos tracheliotos versus Gyps fulvus
Play a quiz with Lappet-faced Vulture and Griffon Vulture
Lappet-faced Vulture
Griffon Vulture
In short
The Lappet-faced Vulture and Griffon Vulture can be distinguished by their head and neck coloration and overall size. The Lappet-faced Vulture has a distinctive bare, reddish head and large size, while the Griffon Vulture has a pale brown head and neck with a whitish ruff.
Identification tips
Look for the bare, reddish head of the Lappet-faced Vulture versus the pale brown head and neck with a whitish ruff of the Griffon Vulture. Note the larger size and more robust build of the Lappet-faced Vulture. Observe behavior; Lappet-faced Vultures are often solitary, while Griffon Vultures are more social.
Size
The Lappet-faced Vulture is larger and more robust than the Griffon Vulture.
Plumage
Lappet-faced Vultures have a bare, reddish head and neck, contrasting with their dark plumage. Griffon Vultures have a pale brown head and neck, with a whitish or pale brown ruff and dark flight feathers.
Behaviour
Both species are scavengers, often seen soaring high in search of carrion, but the Lappet-faced Vulture is more solitary compared to the more social Griffon Vulture.
Habitat
Lappet-faced Vultures are typically found in arid and semi-arid regions, while Griffon Vultures prefer mountainous and open areas.
Voice
Both species are generally silent, but may produce hisses and grunts at carcasses or nests.