Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #55

By Jim Gain

7/25/2023

• Scientific Name: Cathartes burrovianus
• Name in Spanish (Mexico): Zopilote Sabanero
• Name in Mayan: Ka’an pool ch’oom
• ABA 4-Letter Bird Code: LYHV
• Family: Cathartidae – New World Vultures
• Order: Cathartiformes – New World Vultures

About this Species

The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) is a species of New World vulture found in Belize and other parts of Central and South America. It is a medium-sized vulture, measuring around 56-66 cm in length, with a wingspan of about 140 cm. It has a distinctive yellow head, neck, and bill, which contrast with its dark brown plumage. The bird’s legs and feet are pink, and it has large, broad wings with long primary feathers, allowing it to soar effortlessly in the sky.

In Belize, the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture can be found in various habitats, including rainforests, savannas, and coastal areas. It is known to feed on carrion, which it locates by its keen sense of smell. The vulture is a social bird, often seen in groups of up to 20 individuals. It is also known to form mixed-species feeding groups with other vulture species and raptors, such as the Crested Caracara.

The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture is not considered threatened, and its population is believed to be stable, although habitat loss and degradation may be affecting local populations.

>> Next Post on Friday, 7/28/2023 – Tawny-winged Woodcreeper

Previous posts from Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog

• White Ibis
• Limpkin
• Anhinga
• Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
• Gray-breasted Martin