In the zoo I photographed a white-headed vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis).

I thought his head was so beautiful, worth a painting! Its head has a distinctive reddish beak with a bluish waxy skin behind its beak. I also really liked his collar, kind of like a fur coat. Funny detail is that the skin around and under his eyes can turn red when excited.

This vulture species is found in the Savannah of South Africa. Often solitary, but can also occur in small groups.

It has big strong claws, most other vultures don’t. This can be explained by the fact that this vulture species is not only a scavenger, but is also a good hunter itself. He even seems to be able to catch young antelopes and flamingos. Other vultures like to step aside when the white-headed vulture is present at a carcass.

Unfortunately, they are listed as critically endangered, Some zoos and bird parks (like Blijdorp Zoo and Avifauna in the Netherlands) participate in a breeding program.

Reference photo: own photo Blijdorp Zoo, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Cotman watercolours tubes, Faber Castel Polychromos & Pastel pencils, Posca felt tip pen on Saunders Waterford 300gsm 310×230 Cotton Satiné High White paper

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