The Bearded Vulture : legendary bird of the Alps
The Bearded Vulture is an extraordinary raptor. I invite you to take flight to soar in the universe of this majestic bird. Are you ready ? Let's go!
Why is the Bearded Vulture legendary?
Due to its size but also because of its yellow eyes with a red rim, the bearded vulture has long been called the bird of Satan. In the 19th century, mountain dwellers were terrified of it. The evil bird was considered a thief of children and sheep. At that time, his reputation cost him his disappearance in the Alps.
In 1986, the vulture was reintroduced to Alpine territory. Despite a successful reintroduction, the Bearded Vulture is not yet out of danger. Indeed, the species is still threatened by human activity (high-voltage lines, mountain recreation). It is one of the rarest birds of prey in Europe. Its IUCN conservation status is considered NT (near threatened).
Today, he is a legend in the eyes of bird watchers, wildlife photographers, and all nature lovers. Every sighting is incredible luck. Many ornithologists come from afar to try to spot it.
How to recognize it?
Like all raptors, the Bearded Vulture has a very powerful beak, curved downwards, and legs with sharp claws (talons) to grab their prey. The tuft of feathers that the bird presents under its beak makes it feel like it has a beard. This is where the Bearded Vulture got its name.
Its tail is diamond-shaped. The two sexes look very similar, however the female is larger than the male.
Young individuals are dark brown in color with lighter feathers on the belly, the head is blackish in color. From the 5th year, the older bird has rust-like ventral plumage and a cream-colored head. This rusty color can be explained by the many mud baths in a substance containing a lot of iron where vultures particularly like to bask.
What does the Bearded Vulture eat?
The Bearded Vulture is a scavenger with a unique diet in the world. The bones of abandoned carcasses make up the bulk of its food. Its stomach with a very acidic pH allows it to digest the components of bone tissue. When the bones are too large to swallow in one go, the bird gains height and lets go of its load of bone so that it smashes into the rocks and thus collects the debris.
Given his particular diet, the Bearded Vulture patiently waits his turn before enjoying his meal. It is usually the last to feed on carcasses, after mammals and other raptors. He is also nicknamed the cleaner of the mountain pastures, his role as a scavenger acting for the cleanliness of the Alps and for stopping the spread of diseases.
Where does he live ?
This bone breaker finds refuge in the rocky mountains. Preferably with many ravines and favorable upwind conditions. There, he builds a nest with twigs, and places softer materials such as hair or wool in the center. In addition, the Bearded Vulture chooses regions with many ungulates to optimize its chances of finding its food.
It is very present in the Pyrenees and in the Alps, but it is also possible to cross its path in Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
It is sedentary and stays on its territory all year round except in very cold weather or due to lack of food resources.
What are the breeding habits?
This majestic bird reaches its sexual majority between 5 and 8 years old. During the months of November to December, the males court the females, it is the mating season involving spectacular pairings.
The female will lay one or two eggs no later than February. Incubation lasts about 55 to 60 days. It is performed in turn by the male and the female.
Bearded Vultures are the only nesting vultures in Switzerland. They reproduce slowly, but have a relatively high life expectancy (up to 30 years in the wild) which allows them to reproduce multiple times.
The male and the female share the education of the young. Indeed, the male takes care of bringing food back to the nest, while the female does not leave the nest to take care of the surviving vulture.
Chicks do not immediately have the ability to swallow up bones and digest them. Therefore, the male must go in search of fresh flesh. In order to maximize its chances of finding prey, this iconic glider often flies at low altitudes.
Watch the Gypaète while respecting its environment?
On our ethical nature trips and trips, we offer you the opportunity to get into the heart of the action. Our nature tour in Valais is the perfect opportunity to observe the legendary Bearded Vulture.
Plus, you will come across other iconic animals of the Alps, such as the Alpine Ibex and Chamois. Do not wait any longer and spread your wings to live this unique and ethical experience. Watching the Bearded Vulture is an experience you will never forget.
Cloé
Salva Fauna
References :
france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/reintroduction-du-gypaete-barbu-alpes-reussite-encore-fragile-1290987.html
fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gypaète_barbu
www.gypaetebarbu.ch/gypaetebarbu/biologie
www.wwf.ch/fr/especes/gypaetes-barbus-le-roi-des-alpes
www.sac-cas.ch/fr/les-alpes/le-gypaete-barbu-gypaetus-barbatus-16361/
www.oiseaux.net/oiseaux/gypaete.barbu.html
www.iucnredlist.org/fr/species/22695174/118590506
