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
Cathartes burrovianus
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
Cassin, 1845
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized vulture with predominantly glossy black plumage that reflects dark green and blue sheens in sunlight. The most striking and diagnostic feature is its featherless, brightly colored head and neck, which display a complex mosaic of pale orange, bright yellow, and hints of blue-grey around the crown. The bill is flesh-colored or pale pinkish-white, and the irises are red. In flight, it is distinguished from other vultures by its relatively narrow wings and the contrastingly pale silver-white coloration on the undersides of the primary feathers.
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Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological 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.Cathartes
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cassin, 1845
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.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
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
Primarily restricts itself to open wetlands, seasonally flooded savannas, marshy grasslands, and degraded or deforested lowlands. Unlike the closely related Turkey Vulture, it avoids dense, continuous forest interiors and high mountainous areas, maintaining a strict preference for low-altitude, open riverine plains throughout the Neotropics.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
An expert thermal glider that spends hours soaring systematically at low altitudes over grasslands and marshes. It relies heavily on light morning winds and thermals to stay aloft with minimal wing flapping. Its foraging method is slow and deliberate, flying low to capture faint scent lines of decaying fish, small mammals, and reptiles trapped by receding marsh waters.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally less gregarious than Black Vultures. It tends to forage solitary or in loose, scattered pairs to avoid direct competition over smaller carrion pieces. However, it will assemble peacefully at large communal roosts on dead trees or fence posts during the night and shares localized food gluts.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Scavenger (necrophage; specialized obligate feeder eating decaying tissues of fish, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Plays an irreplaceable ecological role as an obligate scavenger, accelerating nutrient cycling and preventing the spread of infectious diseases (such as anthrax) by removing carcasses. Because of its small size and weaker bill, it often relies on larger scavengers like the King Vulture to rip open thick hides first. It has no major natural predators as an adult.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Does not build a true nest structure. Monogamous pairs select a highly secluded location, such as the hollow interior of a large rotting log, a deep rock crevice, or the protective floor of abandoned agricultural buildings. The female lays 2 creamy-white or pale yellowish eggs heavily blotched with dark brown. Both parents cooperate in incubation for approximately 32 to 38 days and feed the chicks via regurgitation.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
53.0 - 66.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
950 g - 1.55 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 - 3
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.
3 - 4 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
32 - 38
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males10 - 20 Years
Females10 - 20 Years
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses a highly developed olfactory system with enlarged nasal cavities, enabling the vulture to detect the airborne chemical scent of ethyl mercaptan produced by decaying organic matter even when hidden under thick grass.
The featherless head and neck are vital hygiene adaptations that prevent bacteria-laden rotting fluids and blood from collecting on the plumage during carcass feeding, while also functioning as an efficient heat-shedding organ.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Highly vulnerable to indirect secondary poisoning from ingesting carcasses treated with veterinary pharmaceuticals (such as diclofenac) or toxic lead ammunition fragments left inside hunted target game animals.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Unlike typical birds of prey, Cathartes vultures lack a syrinx (the avian vocal organ). As a result, they are physically incapable of producing songs or calls, communicating solely through quiet, eerie hisses and grunts.
They practice urohidrosis, a unique behavioral cooling mechanism where they intentionally excrete warm liquid waste onto their unfeathered scaly legs; the evaporation cools the blood vessels, while the uric acid kills bacteria.