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