AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sarcoramphus papa
King vulture
(Linnaeus, 1758)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Large scavenging bird with mostly white plumage, colorful neck, and an orange caruncle on the bill.
Added by
Gerardo Venegas
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Rey de los zopilotesCacique caronero
King vulture
Vautour papeTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Aves
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Cathartiformes
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Cathartidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sarcoramphus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Linnaeus, 1758)
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Decreasing
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Scavenger
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits undisturbed tropical forests and wooded savannas.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Soars at high altitudes using thermal currents; displaces other vultures from carcasses due to its size.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary or in pairs, rarely forms large groups outside of feeding.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Strict scavenger; specialized in opening the tough skin of large carcasses.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Vital forest cleaner; prevents the spread of diseases by consuming carrion.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Nests in tree cavities or cliffs; lays a single egg that both parents incubate.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
71.0 - 81.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
3.00 kg - 4.50 kg
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
48 - 60 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
53 - 58
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males20 - 30 Years
Females20 - 30 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Very strong, hooked bill capable of tearing tissues that other vultures cannot.
Head and neck devoid of feathers to maintain hygiene during feeding.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Degradation of jungle habitat and decline of large wild mammals.
Direct persecution due to fear or false beliefs about the species.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Its name comes from its dominant position at carcasses, where others give way to it.
It has the best eyesight among all New World vultures.