Griffon Vulture

The Griffon Vulture was, until recently, a migrant to Mallorca. However, in 2008 strong westerly winds from the mainland carried a hundred birds to the Island which remained. They have now recolonized the region and upon arrival started to breed. In 2014 thirteen pairs raised nine young so the good news continues. These birds live in the Tramuntana mountains but can be seen almost anywhere. The best sites, however, are the Cuber Resevoir and Lluc and the surrounding areas.

Technical description

Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae. It is also known as the Eurasian griffon. The griffon vulture is 93–122 cm (37–48 in) long with a 2.3–2.8 m (7.5–9.2 ft) wingspan. The males weigh 6.2 to 10.5 kg (14 to 23 lb) and females typically weigh 6.5 to 11.3 kg (14 to 25 lb). Hatched naked, it is a typical Old World vulture in appearance, with a very white head, broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers.