Greater Yellow-headed Vulture

The Greater Yellow-headed Vulture occurs in the humid lowland forests of eastern Ecuador, where it inhabits remote, undisturbed tropical regions below 1,200 meters, often near rivers and swampy clearings. Though generally uncommon and shy, it is regularly observed soaring over forest canopies, relying on its keen sense of smell to locate carrion deep within dense vegetation. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad Amazonian range and no immediate threats, though it remains vulnerable to deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Natural history records highlight its silent flight, dependence on larger vultures to access carcasses, and ground-nesting behavior in secluded sites such as hollow logs or cave floors.