Bearded Vulture look-alikes
Gypaetus barbatus
Spotted a bird? Identify it instantly with the Birdby app
Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Bearded Vulture. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus
Key differences
Griffon Vultures are bulkier, have shorter, broader wings, a short, square tail, and a prominent ruff of white feathers around the neck. Their plumage is generally buff-brown with darker flight feathers. They lack the 'beard' and the rusty underparts of the Bearded Vulture. In flight, Griffons have a more 'plank-like' wing profile and a shorter tail.
Egyptian Vulture
Neophron percnopterus
Key differences
Egyptian Vultures are much smaller, with a white body, black flight feathers, and a yellow face. They have a wedge-shaped tail but it is shorter than that of the Bearded Vulture. They lack the 'beard' and the dark upperparts. Juveniles are dark brown but are significantly smaller and have a different flight profile.
Cinereous Vulture (Eurasian Black Vulture)
Aegypius monachus
Key differences
The Cinereous Vulture is larger and entirely dark brown/blackish, with a massive dark beak and a short, slightly wedge-shaped tail. It lacks the pale head, rusty underparts, and 'beard' of the Bearded Vulture. In flight, it has broader wings and a shorter tail, appearing more 'door-like' compared to the elegant flight of the Bearded Vulture.
Explore the Bearded Vulture
Identify birds anywhere
Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo & sound identification, full species database, and your personal life list.