Lammergeier, Bearded Vulture

Gypaetus barbatus

(G. b. aureus)

Armenian Name:	Գառնանգղ
Species Status:	Threatened Species - Species of Special Concern

See Plate 9 for Lammergeier, Bearded Vulture and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Uncommon
Length:	100-115 cm, Wing Span:266-282 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 31.
Description:	Huge vulture with proportionately long narrow wings and long bluntly-pointed tail.
Adult:	Blackish upperparts with dull orange underbody and head. Black mask through eyes extends into a "beard" below base of bill.
Juvenile:	Dark brown above; blackish head and neck and brown-gray underparts.
Immature:	Shows varying amounts of white on back and wing coverts.
Behavior:	Soars on slightly-drooped wings with upturned tips. Often soars above gorges and mountain meadows.
Habitat:	Remote mountains with forests, meadows, deep gorges, and cliffs.
Food:	Bones and fresh carrion; also takes birds and small mammals such as young wild goats.
Nest:	Massive pile of branches lined with twigs, grass, wool, and fur on cliff or in deep cave.
Eggs:	84 mm, 1-2, pale reddish-brown, purple blotches.