Red-Headed Vulture

Sarcogyps calvus

The red-headed vulture, Sarcogyps calvus, is a large South Asian scavenger with a bare red head, heavy bill, black body, and pale wing patches visible in flight. It was once widespread from the Indian subcontinent into parts of Southeast Asia, using open country, forest edges, and dry woodlands where livestock and wild ungulate carcasses were available. A strong bill lets it open tough hide at carcasses, and pairs usually nest singly in tall trees rather than in dense colonies.

The species is now critically endangered after steep declines linked especially to veterinary painkillers such as diclofenac in livestock carcasses, along with habitat change and food contamination. Conservation work includes vulture-safe zones, carcass testing, nest monitoring, and support for safer veterinary drugs. In zoos or rescue centers, red-headed vultures require large, quiet aviaries, careful carrion handling, sunning and perching space, and minimal disturbance during breeding. Private ownership is generally inappropriate and often prohibited because this is a threatened raptor with specialized feeding and permit needs.