Animals

Generally dark brown or black. Crown and nape streaked with white or gray. Black cere and yellow feet. Eyes brown or yellowish brown; exact color varies from area to area. Smaller than most of the flying scavengers. Weight around 2 pounds. Wing span up to 5 feet.

Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and southern Asia east to South China, New Guinea, and Australia. Range covers elevations from sea level up to 14,000 feet. In winter birds living in cold areas migrate to warmer climates. These birds are very adaptable; they can exist in habitats ranging from crowded cities to remote, desolate areas.

Generally roost communally, but normally hunt singly like vultures. Over 3000 individuals have been counted around one "piggery" in Australia. Their nests are generally built in trees at 15 to 100 feet above the ground. Nests are about 18" to 24" in diameter and 10" to 18" deep. All types of available material are used in nest building. There are 2 or 3 dull white eggs in a clutch. The eggs are incubated for 38 days by only the female. The male will bring some food to the female during incubation and while she is feeding the young. The chicks are able to fly about 42 days after hatching.