Vulture Facts

About the vulture

Twenty-three species of vulture exist, condors included. The Old World group has 16 species across Europe, Africa and Asia, while the New World group has seven in North and South America. The bare head likely stays cleaner while feeding, and that naked skin also helps the bird control its body temperature.

Vultures adjust their posture to the weather. In the cold they hunch and tuck in their heads, and in the heat they spread their wings and stretch out their necks. They also urinate on themselves to cool down. Groups even get their own names: a kettle in flight, a committee perched in trees or sitting on the ground, and a wake while feeding.

Did you know?

• A group of feeding vultures is called a wake.
• Condors are counted among the 23 vulture species.
• Vultures cool off by urinating on their own bodies.