Class: AVES

Order: ACCIPITRIFORMES

Family: CATHARTIDAE

Genus: SARCORAMPHUS

Species: PAPA

The only extant species in its genus, it is a new world vulture, sharing a common ancestor with the California Condor of genus Gymnogyps, the two having diverged perhaps some 10 million years ago, though known fossils belonging to the bird’s genus [including extinct species] date far later than this. Perhaps the most distinguished of the vultures - its main head is dark bluish, with patches of lighter blue, with yellow ornamentation above a reddish beak. Its neck is tinted with orange, yellow, and purple, with a bluish ‘mane’ of feathers. The body is more typical - plain white feathers, though the flight feathers of the wings and tail feathers are black.

One of the largest of the vultures, King Vultures’ wings measure around 190 centimetres in length, and full animals may stand 80 or so centimetres in height, and weigh 4 kilogrammes. The species inhabits a wide range of Central and South America, inhabiting various habitats. Similar to other vultures, it possesses an impressive capability of flight, and is capable of soaring great distances without flapping. As do all other vultures, King Vultures feed on carrion - piercing animal skin with their firm, pointed beak. Also similar to other vultures, the species has good eyesight - though may prefer to trail other carnivores in search for food. In the case of large carcasses, numerous vultures may attend a carcass at a time - but aside of this, lack a sophisticated social structure. The species is monogamous, with a single egg guarded by both parents up to 60 days - after which both parents assume a role of raising the young.