Ruppell's (Griffon) Vulture Gyps rueppellii

Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture, also called Ruppell's Vulture, is native to central Africa, from West Africa to East Africa.
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
It is the highest-recorded flying bird, having been sucked into a jet plane engine over the Ivory Coast at over 36,000 feet.
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
A large vulture, it is similar to the (Eurasian) Griffon Vulture but has white edges to most of its body and wing feathers.
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
The wingspan is some 2.5 metres. Male and female have similar plumage.
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
It also has a dark brown patch at the base of its neck.
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Close up, its irises are also much lighter than the dark amber brown irises of the Eurasian Griffon.
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture
Ruppell's Griffon Vulture in flight
The population is declining through habitat loss and poisoning.