Lesser  Yellow-headed Vulture

In Ecuador, the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture is primarily found in open lowland habitats, especially in the coastal regions and occasionally in the Amazon Basin. Unlike the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, which favors dense forest, this species prefers savannas, wetlands, marshes, and agricultural landscapes. It is often seen gliding over open fields or perched near water bodies, scanning for carrion. Its tolerance of human-altered environments makes it more visible in open country than in forested areas.

The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture has an exceptional sense of smell, allowing it to detect carrion hidden beneath vegetation or even shallow water. This ability makes it particularly effective in wetlands, where it can locate carcasses that other scavengers might miss. It is often confused with the Greater Yellow-headed Vulture, but the two species are separated by habitat preference: the Lesser favors open country, while the Greater is tied to forest. Another intriguing fact is that this vulture often feeds alongside other scavenger species, sometimes arriving first at carcasses thanks to its keen olfactory skills. Its bright head coloration, especially in good light, makes it one of the most visually distinctive vultures of the Americas.