Slender-billed vulture

Description

The slender-billed vulture (Gyps tenuirostris) is a recently recognized species of Old World vulture.For some time,it was categorized with its relative,the Indian vulture,under the name of “long-billed vulture”.However,these two species have non-overlapping distribution ranges and can be immediately told apart by trained observers,even at considerable distances.The Indian vulture is found only to the south of the Ganges and breeds on cliffs while the slender-billed vulture is found along the Sub-Himalayan regions and into Southeast Asia and nests in trees.At 80 to 95 cm (31 to 37 in),in length,this mid-sized vulture is about the same size as its sister species,the Indian vulture.This vulture is mostly grey with a pale rump and grey undertail coverts.The thighs have whitish down.The neck is long,bare,skinny and black.The black head is angular and narrow with the dark bill appearing narrow midway.The ear opening is prominent and exposed.