Palm-nut vulture

Appearance and identification

Adults are medium-sized raptors with a relatively compact profile, broad wings and a short tail. Plumage contrasts typically include pale body feathers with darker flight feathers; juveniles are generally greyer or browner. The face shows bare skin, and the species' overall look distinguishes it from carrion-specialist vultures.

Diet and feeding behaviour

Its diet is unusually varied for a vulture. The palm-nut vulture eats:

• Fruit of oil palms and other palms, often opening the fruit to reach the kernel
• Fish, crabs and other aquatic prey where available
• Small vertebrates, eggs and occasionally carrion

Because palm fruits can be seasonally abundant near human-modified landscapes, these birds sometimes forage close to villages and plantations. Observers can learn more from a specialist species page.

Habitat, breeding and behaviour

Habitats include riverine woodlands, mangroves, coastal areas and agricultural zones with palms. Palm-nut vultures build stick nests in trees, often over water, and typically lay a small clutch. Both parents take part in incubation and feeding of the young. The species is known for being relatively approachable and visible compared with many other vultures.

Conservation and notable facts

Currently not regarded as globally threatened, the palm-nut vulture benefits in many areas from the presence of oil palms and coastal wetlands, although local pressures such as habitat loss and persecution can affect populations. It is notable among scavengers for its largely vegetarian diet and for playing a role in seed dispersal and local ecological interactions across sub-Saharan Africa.