Hooded Vulture

Description:

A large entirely brown bird, but small vulture - about 70 cm in length, with a large soaring wings and a slender pale bill. The nape and neck are covered by down - a special kind of fluffy feathery material forming a "hood". The face, crown and throat are naked and pinkish in adult birds, and flush red when the bird is excited or agitated.

Habitat:

The hooded vulture is another Old World vulture, found mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Here, seen in wooded area of Awasa park, on shores of Awasa lake; and the place known as a birdwatcher's paradise. For instance, I witnessed this vulture sharing a branch with Thick billed Raven - an aggressive (but beautiful) bugger who finally chased this bird from the tree...

Notes:

The population of these vultures is often described as "common", in areas they inhabit. Nevertheless, according to the IUCN list, this species has recently became critically endangered, with rapidly decreasing population due to hunting, poisoning and loss of habitat... It may be noted also that in many parts of Africa, vultures in general are considered as bad omen and/or linked to witchcraft. As such, they are often a target of poisoning or hunting.