Today’s Picture: Whitebacked Vulture Perched in Tree
Photo Details: Immature whitebacked vulture (Gyps africanus) perched in the branches of a dead tree, Ndumo Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Camera: Canon EOS 450D (Canon Rebel XSi 12.2MP); Lens: Canon EF70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM; Focal Length: 300mm; Shutter speed: 1/500; Aperture: f8; ISO: 200; 29 July 2009.
Additional Info: The immature bird is darker and browner than the adult and has white down on the neck, as in the photograph above. The whitebacked vulture is a common resident of savanna bushveld and usually outnumbers other vultures in this habitat. Large numbers are often seen congregated around dead animals, either waiting their turn when there are hyenas present, or fighting among themselves to get at the carcass.
In overcast weather they are seen in small groups perched on treetops, while in good weather they can soar all day at great heights. See also this previous post, Whitebacked Vulture Preparing to Land.
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Tagged with: whitebacked vulture
Filed under: African Birds
Wow this is a splendid shot, so sharp! A beauty!