How to identify the White-backed Vulture

To correctly identify the White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

78-90 cm

Wingspan

196-225 cm

Weight

4.2-7.2 kg

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults have a dirty white to buffy-white body plumage, contrasting with dark brown to black flight feathers and tail. The most distinctive feature is the white lower back and rump, which gives the species its name. The neck is covered in sparse, downy white feathers, and the head is largely featherless, appearing dark grey to blackish. The ruff around the base of the neck is white and fluffy.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   The beak is robust and hooked, typical of vultures, with a dark horn-colored culmen and a paler, yellowish cere. The tip is dark.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to blackish.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   White lower back and rump (visible in flight), pale underparts contrasting with dark flight feathers, and a relatively short tail. The featherless dark head and neck, and white fluffy ruff are also key features.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are generally darker overall than adults, with a more uniform dark brown plumage. The white rump is less distinct or absent, and the underparts are streaked. The head and neck are also darker, and the ruff is less prominent. They gradually acquire adult plumage over several years.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage can appear dirtier or stained depending on feeding habits.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are monomorphic in plumage and size, making them indistinguishable in the field.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. Look for the dirty white to buffy-white body contrasting with dark flight feathers. The most definitive feature is the bright white lower back and rump, especially visible when the bird is soaring or in flight.
• Head and Neck. Observe the dark, featherless head and neck, often appearing blackish-grey, topped with a fluffy white ruff at the base of the neck.
• Flight Profile. In flight, the wings are held in a slight dihedral (V-shape). The contrast between the pale body and dark flight feathers, along with the white rump, is key. They are graceful soarers.
• Social Behavior. Often seen in groups, both soaring and at carcasses. Their presence in large numbers at a kill is a strong indicator.

Explore the White-backed Vulture