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The bearded vulture can swallow whole or bite through brittle bones up to the size of a lamb's femur [38] and its powerful digestive system quickly dissolves even large pieces. Their favoured variants of bones to consume consist of fattier and elongated bones like tarsal bones and tibias.
Vultures possess a very acidic digestive system, with their gut dominated by two species of anaerobic bacteria that help them withstand toxins present in decaying prey. [50] In a 2014 study of 50 (turkey and black) vultures, researchers analyzed the microbial community or microbiome of the facial skin and the large intestine. [51]
While the regurgitation of the bone is advantageous in that it frees space in the stomach for new prey, the behavior can be harmful in that the pellets are often larger than the digestive tract and could cause damage or obstruction. [18] In addition, the bearded vulture is a specialized bone-eater with bones making up 70–90% of its diet. [19]
The world's 23 vulture species, including turkey vultures, black vultures and California condors (which are endangered) here in the U.S., have sharp vision to help them spot carrion from high above.
A vulture is a bird of prey that scavenges on carrion.There are 23 extant species of vulture (including condors). [2] Old World vultures include 16 living species native to Europe, Africa, and Asia; New World vultures are restricted to North and South America and consist of seven identified species, all belonging to the Cathartidae family.
The Gypaetinae is one of two subfamilies of Old World vultures the other being the Aegypiinae.Some taxonomic authorities place the Gypaetinae within the Perninae hawks. They are presently found throughout much of Africa, Asia, and southern Europe, hence being considered "Old World" vultures, but as recently as the Late Pleistocene, they were also present in North America.
A lappet-faced vulture amongst white-backed vultures and Ruepell's griffons, illustrating its size. Overall, the lappet-faced vulture is blackish above with a strongly contrasting white thigh feathers. The black feathers on the back of African vultures are lined with brown, while Arabian birds are dark brown rather than black above.
Texas law enforcement issued a word of warning to Ford truck owners after they arrested a trio of thieves who targeted the high-end truck model by stealing taillights.