Red Headed or King Vulture
Sarcogyps calvus (Scopoli)

Identification: It is a medium sized bird measuring about 84 cm. in length. It has a uniform black plumage. The head, neck, feet and legs are red. The cere is also red and the bill is blackish and horny. The tail is slightly wedge-shaped. During flight a thin whitish band is clearly visible on the underside along the outstretched wings.

Habitat: Found mainly in the Indus and near canal areas, and occasionaly in hilly forests and deserts. It is considered a hazard to aircrafts.

Distribution: It has frequently been observed in Salt Range, Khanewal, Lahore, Kasur, Tharparkar and Karachi districts in recent years.

Breeding: It breeds from December to April in the lower Himalayas and lays a single egg per clutch.

Food: It feeds exclusively on dead animals.

Status: Rare