King vulture
The king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird of prey found in the forests of Central and South America. Here’s a description of its distribution by country:
- Mexico: King vultures are found in parts of southern Mexico, particularly in the Yucatán Peninsula and regions with suitable forested habitats.
- Central America: King vultures inhabit various countries in Central America, including Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They are primarily found in lowland tropical forests and humid montane forests.
- South America: King vultures are also found in several countries in South America, including Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and Paraguay. They inhabit a range of forested habitats, including Amazon rainforests, Andean cloud forests, and Atlantic forests.
King vultures are known for their striking appearance, with predominantly white plumage, a colorful, fleshy caruncle on their beak, and dark wingtips. They are scavengers, feeding on carrion and often congregating at large carcasses along with other vulture species. Despite their large size and impressive wingspan, king vultures are relatively uncommon and face threats from habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and hunting. Conservation efforts aim to protect their remaining habitats and raise awareness about the importance of these majestic birds in maintaining healthy ecosystems.