Species profile
About this species
The Griffon Vulture is a large Old World vulture found across southern Europe, the Middle East, & parts of Asia. It has a pale buff-brown body, a distinctive white ruff around the neck, & a bald head adapted for feeding inside carcasses. It is a highly social species that soars on thermals for hours while searching for carrion across open landscapes.
Griffon Vultures favour open & semi-open landscapes including mountain ranges, rocky cliffs, gorges, & dry grasslands. They nest on cliff ledges & are commonly found across the Iberian Peninsula, the Balkans, the Caucasus, & parts of North Africa & the Middle East.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Griffon 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
Spring & early summer are ideal for colony activity & nesting behaviour. Midday is best for capturing birds soaring on thermals, while early morning & late afternoon offer warm light for perched or feeding birds.
Position yourself near known feeding sites or cliff-top nesting colonies early in the morning before thermals develop, allowing close approach shots as birds warm up on rocks. Use a telephoto lens of at least 500mm to capture soaring birds against the sky, paying attention to light angles to reveal the warm tones of the plumage. Visiting communal roosts in late afternoon can offer dramatic silhouette opportunities as large numbers gather before dusk.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Griffon 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.