A close-up
of a Rüppell's Griffon
showing blood on the bird's neck. Vultures
are very clean birds and bathe daily after
feeding, often travelling quite some distance
to do so. The reason for the bald head and
neck is obvious; if these were feathered
the bird would be unable to reach that area
to clean it with their bill. Vultures also
sunbathe frequently, stretching their wings
while doing so, and this is thought to help
in straightening flight feathers which become
tangled.
Photograph:
(Copyright ©
2000) |
