Mary Allen
What is a vulture?
Have you ever seen a large bird soaring high up in the sky, with its wings stretched out wide? That bird might just be a vulture! Vultures are fascinating birds of prey that belong to the family Accipitridae. They are known for their unique feeding habits, as they scavenge carrion (dead animals) instead of hunting live prey.
A unique bird of prey
Vultures are unique birds of prey because they have an excellent sense of smell which allows them to detect dead animals from high up in the sky. Once they find a carcass, they use their powerful beaks to tear apart the flesh and eat it. You might think that they would get sick from eating dead animals, but their stomachs are specially adapted to digest meat that is starting to rot.
Found all over the world
Vultures are found on every continent except for Australia and Antarctica. There are over 20 species of vultures, and they come in a variety of sizes and colors. Some of the largest vultures, like the Andean condor, have a wingspan of up to 10 feet! Vultures can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to forests to grasslands.
But what is it called?
Have you ever wondered what a vulture is called in other parts of the world? Well, wonder no more! Depending on the species and the region, vultures are known by many different names.
Another name for vulture
One common name for a vulture is a "buzzard." In the United States and Europe, the term "buzzard" is often used to refer to vultures. However, in other parts of the world, "buzzard" refers to a different type of bird of prey altogether.
A scavenger with many names
In India, vultures are called "giddh" or "bajirao," while in Africa they are known as "vubu" or "nsuvi." In South America, they are called "urubu" or "jote." Even within a single country, vultures might have different names depending on the region.
From Old World to New
In Europe and Asia, vultures are often referred to as "Old World vultures." In contrast, the vultures found in the Americas are known as "New World vultures." This is because the two groups of vultures evolved separately and have some distinct differences in their physical characteristics.
Learn the names of these birds
So, the next time you see a vulture soaring in the sky, take a moment to appreciate this fascinating bird of prey. And if you’re feeling curious, why not look up the different names for vultures in different parts of the world? It’s always fun to learn something new!