Lesser Yellow-Headed
Vulture

(Cathartes burrovianis)

Note:  The Greater and Lesser Yellow-Headed vultures are the least-studied of all the vulture species.  Very little is yet known about these marvelous birds.

Size:

Voice:

Diet/Feeding: The primary staple of this vulture's diet is carrion, though it is very fond of fish, and may occasionally take them alive.

Flight: 

Range/Habitat:  The Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture inhabits Savannas, Grasslands, and Marshes in South America.  It ranges from Argentina and Urugay, as far north as Mexico. 

Behavior: 

Life Cycle: 

Breeding: Unlike the open-air or ground nesting habits of its many vulture relatives, the lesser yellow-headed vulture nests in tree cavities.

Status:  Rare

Folklore, Misc. Information:  Only recently was the Lesser yellow-headed vulture recognised as a separate species from the Greater yellow-headed vulture.  This distinction was made official in 1964.

A Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture in many languages: 
English:  Yellow-Headed Vulture, Savannah Vulture, Savanna Vulture
Spanish:  Zamuro de Cabeza Amarilla
More information on the Lesser Yellow Headed Vulture

Lesser Yellow-Headed Vulture
fwie.fw.vt.edu/wcs/040560.HTM
Information
www.lairweb.org.nz/vulture/lesser.html
Birds of Costa Rica
www.cool.co.cr/birdbin/birdprescence?77
Range Maps
www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/geotech/neobird2/CATHARTIDAE.html
Lesser Yellow Headed Vulture
www.bafrenz.com/birds/LYHVX01.htm
Central America Abundance Maps
www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/central_america/CATHARTIDAE.html