Species profile
About this species
The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture with distinctive white & black plumage & a bare yellow face. It is widely distributed across southern Europe, Africa, & Asia, often found near human settlements where it scavenges for food. Known for its intelligence, it is one of the few birds observed using tools - dropping stones to crack open eggs.
Egyptian Vultures favour open & semi-arid landscapes including mountain ranges, cliffs, steppes, & agricultural plains. They are commonly found near villages, rubbish dumps, & slaughterhouses where food sources are reliable, & often nest on rocky ledges & cliff faces.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Egyptian Vulture with us in Spain.
These departures are part of our Europe programme.
In the field, Ian Roberts helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning during the breeding season from March to August offers the best light & activity. Migration periods in September & October can also provide excellent opportunities as birds gather in numbers at key crossing points such as Gibraltar & the Bosphorus.
Position yourself near cliff nesting sites or rubbish dumps where birds congregate, as this increases your chances of close encounters. Use a telephoto lens of at least 400mm to capture sharp flight shots against open skies, paying attention to the contrast between white plumage & dark wing tips. Visit communal roost sites in the early morning when birds are warming themselves & displaying more relaxed behaviour before dispersing to forage.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Egyptian Vulture
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.