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FUN FACT
Also called vulturine fish-eagle, or simply fishing vulture, this species is sufficiently unique to be classified in a monotypic (only one species) genus of its own.
A striking black and white vulture of Sub-Saharan Africa, the Palm-nut Vulture is found along the edges of tropical forests, large rivers, lakes, and seashores, especially where oil palms abound. Unlike other vultures, the Palm-nut Vulture feeds only occasionally on smaller carrion – and rarely at large animal carcasses – and instead specializes its feeding on the fleshy fruit and husks of the oil palm, and on the palm-fruits of Raffia palm. These fruits make up more than 60% of an adult bird’s diet and more than 90% of a juvenile bird’s diet. Unlike the situation with many vultures in the Old World, the Palm-nut Vulture’s population is stable or even increasing.
Habitat
Edges of tropical forests, large rivers, lakes, mangroves, estuaries and seashore, and cultivated areas where oil palms abound
Diet
Mainly the fleshy fruit-husks of the oil palm and on the palm-fruits of Raffia palm; insects, crabs, mollusks, frogs, fish, small mammals, and reptile eggs and hatchlings; occasionally smaller carrion, but, unlike other vultures, rarely at large animal carcasses
Status
Least Concern
Breeding
A Palm-nut Vulture pair performs acrobatic aerial courtship displays and are highly territorial around their nest, which both sexes build out of sticks in the open fork or crown of a tall tree 6–60 meters above ground. They use the same nest year after year, laying a single egg that is incubated by both sexes for 35–50 days. The nestling is cared for by both adults and fledges in about 90 days.
The National Aviary is home to more than 500 birds and other animals representing 150 species; some of which live in behind-the-scenes habitats. To enhance our guests’ educational experience, and with regard to individual bird preferences, different species may spend time in various public-facing habitats.
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