Home › Aves › Cathartidae › King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
SPECIES PROFILE
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
Sarcoramphus
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Southern Mexico to northern Argentina
DIET
Carnivorous (scavenger)
HABITAT
Lowland tropical rainforest and savanna
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Cathartiformes
FAMILY
Cathartidae
GENUS
Sarcoramphus
📋 Description
SIZE
Wingspan up to 2 m; 3-4.5 kg
COLORATION
Creamy-white body with black wings and a vivid orange, yellow and red bare head
ADAPTATIONS
Keen sense of smell finds carcasses; dominates smaller vultures at kills
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Lowland tropical rainforest and savanna
DIET
Carnivorous (scavenger)
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Southern Mexico to northern Argentina
REPRODUCTION
Single egg on the ground
DIET DETAILS
Carrion
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Deforestation
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Its multicoloured head is among the most striking of any bird, giving it a 'royal' look.
2
Other vultures step aside when the king arrives at a carcass.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Brownsberg Nature Park
Central Suriname Nature Reserve
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Watch forest clearings and ridgelines mid-morning as vultures rise on thermals; reserves like Brownsberg are reliable.
