King Vulture by danob

Photography • Creatures • posted on Nov 15, 2007

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Description

This King Vulture has been on my wanted list of vultures for some time, and for once was posing nicely... The bird was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 The name may be derived from two possible explanations the King part of the name is a reference to its habit of displacing smaller vultures from a carcass and eating its fill while they wait. An alternative theory reports that the name is derived from Mayan legends, in which the bird was a king who served as a messenger between humans and the gods The adult King Vulture is the most strikingly coloured of the New World Vultures. It is predominantly white, though its ruff, flight, and tail feathers range from grey to an opalescent black. The white plumage also has a slight rose-yellow tinge to it. It has a thick, strong bill that, whilst the most powerful among the New World Vultures, is quite small compared to that of other large birds of prey. This bill has a hooked tip and a sharp cutting edge. The bird has broad wings and a short, broad, and square tail. Its eyes are straw-coloured and it has keen eyesight. Unlike some New World Vultures, the King Vulture lacks eyelashes. The King Vulture also has a highly noticeable yellow fleshy crest on its orange and black bill; this carnucle does not fully form until the bird’s fourth year.

Comments (50)

MrsLubner

3:27PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Danny! You are knocking me over, Guy! This hits me in the solar pexis! Its fabulous and I can't believe I know someone who has seen this first hand. I get excited over a turkey vulture and look at what you can do!!! Wow. Love it in all ways.

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WindchimePhotography

3:39PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Wow! Amazing capture of this bird that I'd never even heard of before today. Thanks for giving all the detail along with the photo.

42n8

3:42PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

what wonderful colours he's beautiful excellent capture.

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JaneEden

3:45PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

A truly amazing sight and excellent detailed shot. I love the POV it is really original, and zooming in is amazing for the detail. He looks like something from another planet - Danny this is really excellent photography and thank you for sharing!!!!!!

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mbz2662

3:45PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Thanks for sharing information on this (New for me) Vulture... very cool.

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carlx

3:51PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Amazing portrait!!!

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1010

3:55PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

A gorgeous bird, amazing shot Danny!

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jinet

3:57PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Nice bird, beautiful photo !

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rmtagg

4:01PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

WOW! Great shot!

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Ionel

4:01PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Superb picture, Danny! Wonderful and interesting image!!!

vlaaitje

4:07PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

wonderful pose, and hard to catch!! It came out very well, on that rainy and overcast day!!

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Boofy

4:14PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Wow! The clarity and the POV is just supurb. I love the vibrant colours here and that they are offset by that lovely lavender patch in the centre of the white chest. Thanks for the infomation on this lovely creature as well, it is always so great to learn something new of our wonderful world. Jen

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kenwas

4:14PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Super capture of this freaky creature!

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toddaking

4:48PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Nice work, great picture. Todd

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subcultura

5:01PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

wow...stunning! mucho gusto

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jeroni

5:08PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Nice work, great picture.

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amlondono

5:40PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

Just stunning . He was posing for you . Superb Image . Bravo !!!! Ana

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KarmaSong

5:56PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

My knowledge of birds gets electric shocks whenever I visit your gallery :-) This photo is simply extraordinary, so masterfully shot. Thank you for sharing, Danny!

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fredster66

5:59PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

I'm floored as I type. What an amazing shot and creature.

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bpclarke

6:19PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

What a proud beauty this is! Excellent capture. Bunny

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iaacf

6:37PM | Thu, 15 November 2007

It looks as it wants to say 'come on I will cuddle you' but there is a chance I might be wrong I guess .. Anyway... it is absolutely an inmpressive image..!!

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