- The lammergeier is one of the largest vultures of the mountain regions of Africa, Asia, and Europe. Its body is from 42 to 46 inches long and its wingspread is between 9 and 10 feet. It feeds on dead animals. But it is also said to capture and kill live animals, especially helpless young ones. The lammergeier has dark wings with white streaks. Its black "beard" contrasts with its orange neck and breast.
- Unlike most vultures, the Lammergeier does not have a bald head.
- The Lammergeier is also called the "bearded vulture," because it has a tuft of bristly black feathers that hangs down like a beard from the base of its bill.
- The Lammergeier can live up to 40 years in captivity.
- Females are slightly larger than males.
Scientific Classification. The lammergeier is in the Old World vulture family, Accipitridae. It is genus Gypaetus,
species G. barbatus aureus.
