Nubian (Lappet-faced) Vultures

Nubian (Lappet-faced) Vultures are the largest, weighing as much as 18 lbs. They have very large, strong beaks enabling them to tear apart carcasses of large animals. [Masai Mara, Kenya].

Lappet-Faced Vultures-2 images

Double Image of Lappetfaced Vultures: Lateral view in bush (L), and frontal view showing large powerful beaks, and its red lappets (R). [Busanga Plains (L); Zambia (R); Botswana].

Lappet-Faced Vultures

Silhouette of two Lappetfaced Vultures on a branch--late afternoon. This image well demonstrates this species' large size, and their large beaks. [Serengeti, Tanzania].

Tawny Eagle vs. Lappetfaced Vulture-1st image

1st image:Tawny Eagle vs. Lappetfaced Vulture-1st image . These next 3 images depict an interesting and a rare sighting of a confrontation between a Tawny Eagle (L) and a Lappetfaced Vulture (R)--the largest of the African vultures--over a Thompson's Gazelle fawn. First, the Tawny takes a turn at trying to carry off the dead fawn, but the fawn is too heavy. See next image. [Serengeti, Tanzania].

Tawny Eagle vs. Lappetfaced Vulture-2

Lappetfaced Vulture-2nd image: This, the largest of the African vultures, also finds the Thompson's Gazelle fawn too heavy. Please see 3rd image in this sequence. [Serengeti, Tanzania].

Tawny Eagle vs. Lappetfaced Vulture-3

3rd image: The Tawny Eagle and the Lappetfaced Vulture leave, but two Whitebacked Vultures, standing nearby, take over and devour the carcass on the ground. [Serengeti, Tanzania].