Lappet-faced vulture

Description:

The Lappet-faced Vulture is a huge species, ranking as the longest and largest winged vulture in its range behind the closely related Cinereous Vulture. This species measures around 95–115 cm (37–45 in) in body length, with a wingspan of 2.5–2.9 m (8.2–9.5 ft). The combination of the colorful head and fleshy folds on the side of it are distinctive. The bald head of the Lappet-faced Vulture is advantageous, because a feathered head would become spattered with blood and other fluids, and thus be difficult to keep clean.

Habitat:

We came upon this bird just as it was having a meal.