Image via Macaulay Library
White-rumped Vulture
- Scientific name
- Gyps bengalensis
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
- Habitat
- Grassland
- Wing shape
- Soaring
- Tail shape
- Rounded
Where it came from
The White-rumped Vulture, Gyps bengalensis, was historically one of the most common large birds of prey across South Asia. Occupying a vital ecological niche as an apex scavenger, its evolution favored broad, soaring wings and a rounded tail, allowing it to glide effortlessly over vast landscapes in search of carrion. This design reflects millions of years of adaptation, enabling the species to thrive in the heat-laden thermals of the Indian subcontinent.
The species suffered a catastrophic population collapse in the 1990s, declining by more than 99 percent due to the widespread veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac. The tragedy of the White-rumped Vulture serves as a significant case study in conservation biology, highlighting how localized environmental toxins can disrupt entire ecosystems. Today, it remains listed as critically endangered, with focused captive breeding and release programs representing the primary efforts to prevent its extinction.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About White-rumped Vulture
White-rumped Vulture is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track White-rumped Vulture on collecto.rs?
White-rumped Vulture doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of White-rumped Vulture?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the White-rumped Vulture catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for White-rumped Vulture is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
