Pyrenees Discovery : LARGE PYRENEAN BIRDS OF PREY


	Large Pyrenean birds of prey

BEARDED VULTURE


	Gypaetus Barbatus

Bearded vulture

Size:
the bearded vulture ties with the griffon vulture as the biggest bird of prey in the Pyrenees: it can have a wingspan up to 2.8 m.
Weight:
6 to 7 kg.
Distinctive features:
its black "beard", red-rimmed eyes and blueish feet!

Reproduction:
the breeding rate of bearded vultures is extremely low: less than one young per year, and ready to breed only after the age of five.
Food:
bearded vultures are rather original carrion eaters, for they eat only bones. They break them by dropping them onto rocks.

Habitat:
bearded vultures construct huge eyries stuck together with their own faeces on the highest rock ledges.
In the Pyrenees:
they are found especially in Aragon, where ornithologists are implementing a rescue programme.

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