Rueppell's Griffon

Adults are close to 1 metre in length, with a wingspan of around 2.6 metres , and a weight that usually ranges from 7 to 9 kg . Both sexes are alike: mottled brown or black overall with a whitish-brown underbelly and thin, dirty-white fluff covering the head and neck. The base of the neck has a white collar, the eye is yellow or amber, the crop patch deep chocolate-brown. Silent as a rule, they become vocal at the nest and when at a carcass, squealing a great deal.

The Rueppell's Griffon is classified as Near Threatened (NT), is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.

Rueppell's griffon, close up© Suzi Eszterhas / naturepl.com Rueppell's griffon © J & A Scott / www.nhpa.co.uk Rueppell's griffon, side view© Stan Osolinski / www.osfimages.com Rueppell's griffon with wings spread© Alison M. Jones Rueppell's griffon with wings spread, rear view© Malcolm Schuyl / www.flpa-images.co.uk Rueppell's griffon with wings spread and full crop© Stan Osolinski / www.osfimages.com Rueppell's griffon on branch© Clem Haagner / www.ardea. More