Vulture Quiz: What Do You Know?

Written by Rebecca Bales — Published: June 7, 2023

How to Play:

Pay close attention to the image and captions provided to help you figure out the answer.

Welcome to the Vulture Quiz: What Do You Know?

Vultures, with their distinctive appearance, ecological role, and their absence of a syrinx, vultures are known for their limited vocal abilities and other interesting characteristics.

From their unique adaptations to their vital role in nature’s cleanup crew, this quiz will challenge your understanding of vultures and reveal just how much you truly know about these remarkable birds.

So, spread your wings of knowledge and embark on this avian adventure to see if you can soar through our Vulture Quiz!

What is the scientific name for the vulture?

Accipitridae

Strigidae

Cathartidae

Falconidae

The turkey vulture sits on a rock, in its typical — Attis, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What is the wingspan of a vulture?

6-7 feet

2-3 feet

4-5 feet

8-9 feet

What is the average weight of a vulture?

11-15 pounds

2-5 pounds

16-20 pounds

6-10 pounds

Interesting Facts About Vultures

Here are some interesting facts about vultures:

Vultures have limited vocal abilities as they lack a syrinx, being able to only hiss, growl, and snarl.
They are primarily scavengers but occasionally prey on small sick or dying animals.
Vultures refuse to consume carcasses that are more than a few days old due to the putrid state they reach.
The scientific name of vultures translates to “cleansing breeze.”
Turkey vultures have the ability to travel up to 200 miles in a single day.
While vultures have ineffective feet for killing prey, their beaks are strong enough to tear through cowhide.
The bald head of vultures serves the purpose of preventing dead meat from sticking to their feathers.

What is the primary diet of vultures?

Fruits

Meat

Insects

Vegetables

What is the purpose of a vulture’s bald head?

To intimidate predators

To attract mates

To prevent feathers from getting dirty while feeding

To regulate body temperature

What is the lifespan of a vulture in the wild?

30-35 years

40-45 years

10-15 years

20-25 years

What Do Vultures Eat?

Vultures have a diverse diet that extends beyond carrion. Alongside their scavenging habits, vultures also consume plant material such as pumpkins, coconuts, juniper berries, and grapes. While mammals are the primary source of carrion for vultures, they do not limit themselves to just that.

Dead birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are also on their menu. Although vultures have a preference for “freshly” dead carrion, they are adaptable and will not hesitate to feed on decaying carcasses as well.

What is the name for a group of vultures?

Herd

Wake

Gaggle

Flock

What is the habitat of vultures?

Grasslands

Deserts

Mountains

Rainforests

Where Do Vultures Live?

Male and female Black Vultures exhibit a striking similarity to each other throughout all seasons. These vultures can be found across a wide range, primarily inhabiting the southeastern United States extending north to Pennsylvania and west to central Texas, with a separate population residing in southern Arizona. Additionally, the Black Vulture species extends its distribution from Mexico all the way down to southern regions of South America.

What is the primary role of vultures in their ecosystem?

Scavenging

Seed dispersal

Pollination

Predation

What is the name of the largest vulture species?

Cape vulture

Andean condor

King vulture

Lappet-faced vulture

What is the name of the smallest vulture species?

Turkey vulture

Hooded vulture

Egyptian vulture

White-backed vulture

What is the name of the vulture species that is critically endangered?

Ru00fcppell’s vulture

White-rumped vulture

Indian vulture

Griffon vulture

What is the name of the vulture species that is endangered?

Cape vulture

Bearded vulture

Cinereous vulture

Himalayan vulture

What is the name of the vulture species that is near threatened?

Griffon vulture

White-backed vulture

Lappet-faced vulture

Hooded vulture

With a bald neck, hooked beak, and beady eyes, the vulture certainly isn't one of the more attractive birds around. — iStock.com/Kesu01

What is the name of the vulture species that is least concern?

King vulture

Turkey vulture

Palm-nut vulture

Black vulture

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About the Author

Rebecca Bales

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats.