Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) and cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) are both large old world vulture species found in Europe, Asia and Africa. While they occupy similar ecological niches as scavenging birds that feed on carrion, there are some key differences between these two species when it comes to their physical characteristics, behavior, habitat and distribution.
Physical Characteristics
In terms of physical characteristics, the most noticeable difference between Griffon and cinereous vultures is their size. The cinereous vulture is significantly larger, with a wingspan ranging from 2.5-3m (8-10ft). Griffon vultures have a smaller wingspan of 2.5-2.8m (8-9ft).
Cinereous vultures are also heavier, weighing 7-14kg (15-30lbs) compared to the lighter Griffon vulture which weighs only 5-10kg (11-22lbs). The cinereous is considered the largest of the old world vultures in terms of size and bulk.
Plumage coloration differs between the species as well. Cinereous vultures have predominantly blackish-brown plumage over most of their body, wings and tail. The name ‘cinereous’ refers to their ash gray color. They have a distinctive white downy “ruff” around their neck.
Griffon vultures on the other hand have pale brown plumage over most of their bodies with black flight feathers. Their heads and necks are covered in white downy feathers. Both species have bald heads as adults, but Griffon vultures sometimes retain some black neck feathers giving them a scruffy appearance.
The bill and eyes also differ – Griffon vultures have a yellow cere and iris, while cinereous vultures have dark gray bills and red irises. Cinereous vultures’ legs are also feathered down to the feet, unlike the bare legs of the Griffon vulture.
Behavioral Differences
In terms of behavior, cinereous vultures are generally more aggressive and territorial at carcasses compared to Griffon vultures. They often dominate food sources and are known to kill other smaller scavengers that attempt to steal their food.
Griffon vultures are more social and gather in large numbers at carcasses. They have a dominance hierarchy at feeding sites but are less aggressive than the massive cinereous vulture.
Griffon vultures spend a lot of time soaring in thermals often in groups. Cinereous vultures rely more on flapping flight, but will soar as well. Both species roost communally, often in large numbers.
Another key difference is that cinereous vultures are not as specialized in feeding on bones as Griffon vultures. They have a stronger beak better suited for tearing flesh. Griffon vultures have evolved to feed more exclusively on scraps of hide and bones.
Habitat
Cinereous and griffon vultures occupy broadly overlapping habitat ranges but some key differences exist:
- Cinereous vultures occur mainly in forested habitats and rugged terrain across their range. They nest in secluded cliffs or trees.
- Griffon vultures are more often found in open habitats like grasslands, semi-deserts, alpine meadows and coastal areas. They nest on cliffs and rocky outcrops.
- Cinereous vultures occur at lower elevations near sea level up to about 1800m in mountainous areas.
- Griffon vultures are found at a wider range of elevations from lowlands up to 5000m in some parts of the Himalayas.
- Cinereous vultures prefer areas of low human disturbance while Griffon vultures are somewhat more tolerant of human activity.
There is some habitat overlap in forested mountainous regions where both species can be found.
Distribution
In terms of global distribution and range, there are also some key distinctions:
- Cinereous vultures have a more restricted distribution range concentrated across southern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Their global population is estimated at 9,000-13,000 breeding pairs.
- Griffon vultures have an extremely widespread distribution across southern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Their global population is estimated at over 100,000 individuals.
- Cinereous vultures are regionally extinct in some parts of their former range like Malaysia and Taiwan. Griffon vultures have a stable or increasing population trend across much of their expansive range.
- There is geographic overlap between the species in places like Spain, southern France, northern Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus and Central Asia where both cinereous and griffon vultures occur.
The larger global population and more widespread distribution makes the Griffon vulture a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The cinereous vulture is listed as Near Threatened due to its declining numbers and more limited range.
Diet and Feeding
As scavengers, both Griffon and cinereous vultures have broadly similar diets focused on feeding on carrion. However, some key differences in their feeding habits include:
- Cinereous vultures often prefer fresher carcasses and will consume significant amounts of meat. Griffon vultures feed more exclusively on dried skin and bones.
- The large size and powerful beak of the cinereous vulture allows it to tear through tough hides and feed on larger carcass portions than the griffon can manage.
- Griffon vultures rely more on bones and bone marrow for nutrition whereas cinereous vultures get more nutrients from muscle meat and viscera.
- Cinereous vultures need about 0.5-1 kg of food per day compared to 0.3-0.5 kg per day for the smaller Griffon vulture.
- Griffon vultures can subsist on smaller carcasses that the massive cinereous vulture requires larger carrion to meet its nutritional needs.
- Cinereous vultures swallow food in larger chunks while Griffon vultures tear food into smaller pieces.
Overall, the larger size and powerful beak of the cinereous vulture allows it to dominate most other avian scavengers at carcasses. But the Griffon vulture is well adapted to feed on small scraps left behind by the larger cinereous vulture at the same food source.
Breeding
Some key differences between Griffon and cinereous vultures when it comes to breeding include:
- Cinereous vultures build large nests up to 2m wide, while Griffon vultures construct smaller nests 0.5-1.5m wide.
- Cinereous vultures lay 1 egg per clutch. Griffon vultures lay 1-2 eggs but rarely raise more than one chick.
- The cinereous vulture breeding season is November to July in Africa and winter to early summer in Europe and Asia. Griffon vultures breed in spring, typically April to August.
- Cinereous vulture chicks fledge after 110 to 130 days. Griffon vultures fledge after 4-5 months.
- Cinereous vultures reach sexual maturity at 5-7 years old. Griffon vultures mature earlier at 3-5 years old.
- The longer lifespan of the cinereous vulture (up to 37 years in the wild) means they can reproduce over more seasons than the shorter-lived griffon (up to 25 years).
Overall the cinereous vulture is a slower reproducing species compared to the Griffon vulture. Their smaller clutch size, slower development time and later sexual maturity are adaptations suited to their longer lifespan.
Conservation Status
Both cinereous and griffon vultures face a variety of conservation threats across their ranges. However, some key differences in their conservation outlook include:
- Griffon vulture populations are stable or increasing in many regions like Spain, the Balkans and parts of Africa thanks to conservation measures. They are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
- Cinereous vulture populations are declining in Europe and most of Asia due to threats like poisoning, electrocution, nest disturbance and habitat loss. They are listed as Near Threatened with an decreasing population trend.
- Griffon vultures adapt well to breeding in captivity for reintroduction programs. Captive breeding of cinereous vultures has proven more difficult.
- Griffon vultures readily colonize new areas when provided with food sources making reintroduction programs more successful. Cinereous vultures are slow to recolonize former ranges.
- Cinereous vultures are more sensitive to human disturbance and persecution due to their remote forest nesting habits.
While both species face multiple conservation challenges, the griffon vulture has proven more resilient and adaptive to recovering from population declines through captive breeding and reintroduction programs.
Conclusion
In summary, the cinereous vulture and Griffon vulture share similarities as large, opportunistic scavengers that provide important ecosystem services in cleaning up carrion. But key differences in their size, plumage, habitat preferences, behavior, diet, breeding and conservation status demonstrate how evolution has shaped them into distinct species occupying slightly different ecological niches across Europe, Africa and Asia.