Bearded Vulture
The Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus), also known as the Lammergeier, is a majestic bird of prey found in mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is unique for its diet, feeding primarily on bone marrow, which it obtains by dropping large bones onto rocks from great heights to break them open. With a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet), the Bearded Vulture has a striking appearance, with black “beard” feathers beneath its beak, reddish-brown plumage, and piercing eyes. Its role as a scavenger makes it crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems in its rugged, high-altitude habitats.