Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)

Identification & Behavior: ~57.5 cm (22.6 in). The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture is black with an unfeathered yellow head that also shows shades of blue and red. It is associated to open savannah-like habitats where it forages in a harrier-like fashion. It is distinguished from the similar Greater Yellow-headed Vulture by habitat use, a less heavy built, and browner plumage. The wing flight feathers seen from below are gray. Also, see Turkey Vulture.

Status: The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture is uncommon at the species primary habitat along the Amazon River and major tributaries. It is also known to occur in Southeast Peru in similar habitats. It also occurs in Co, Ec, Br, and Bo.

Name in Spanish: Gallinazo de Cabeza Amarilla Menor.

Sub-species: Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) Cassin, 1845.

Meaning of Name: Cathartes: Gr. kathartës, katharizö = cleaner to clean. burrovianus: in honor of Dr. Marmaduke Burrough an American physicist and consultant for the state of Vera Cruz in Mexico. A cleaner bird named after Dr. Marmaduke Burrough.

See more of the Family Cathartidae