Bearded Collie / Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Gypaetus, Species: G. barbatus
Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- Shape
- Asymmetrical vane with a gently tapered, rounded-to-pointed tip and clear dark-to-light contrasting zones.
- Size
- Approximately 4 to 8 inches in length, proportional to a medium-to-large raptor wing feather.
- Rarity
- Rare to Very Rare
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Description
A magnificent wing feather featuring contrasting bands of dark black, vibrant orange-buff, and stark white tips.
Colour & Pattern
Striking combination of deep black, rich buff-orange/ochre, and clean white tips.
Barb Structure
Pennaceous vane with tightly interlocked barbs and strong hooklets, solid and intact structure.
Texture & Surface
Stiff, smooth, and aerodynamic surface with a slight sheen.
Key Features
Tri-color pattern of black, rich orange-buff, and white tip.
Habitat
High mountains, crags, and alpine shrublands in remote ranges.
Geographic Range
Southern Europe, Africa, the Caucasus, and parts of Central Asia and the Himalayas.
Ecological Role
Acts as an obligate scavenger, playing a vital sanitary role in removing carcasses and bones from mountain ecosystems.
Similar Species
Other large Old World vultures and eagles, distinguished by the unique orange-buff coloration.
Interesting Facts
Bearded Vultures are famous for their unique diet, consisting largely of bones, which they drop from great heights to shatter into consumable pieces.
Condition Notes
Good condition, clean with minimal wear.