Lammergeier legends and facts

THERE are 23 species that are called vultures, but they are divided into two distinct unrelated groups. The seven New World species (Cathartidae) are all “bear-headed” and detect carrion by their sense of smell. Of these, one of the smallest is the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), which may have the keenest smell of any bird. The lesser and greater yellow-headed vultures (C. burrovianus and melambrotus can smell carrion over a distance of 2km (1.2 miles). Inadvertently, these birds act as scouts for other vultures to find carrion.

By contrast, the 16 species of Old World vulture that are found in Europe, Africa and Asia, rely on their excellent eyesight to forage.

Vultures have long been associated with death, even though they feed on carrion: prey that has gone beyond death. Their feet, unlike those