The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is a species that currently resides exclusively in Crete, as its population has drastically declined and is now endangered. This vulture species is the scarcest among the four in Europe and is named ‘barbatus’, meaning bearded, due to the hair-like structures on its beak, which resemble a beard.

Its primary distinguishing feature is its rapid flight and agility, despite its weight reaching up to 7 kg and its wingspan extending to 2.80 metres. This vulture displays pointed wings, along with a white-yellow head and a body that can vary in colour from blond brown to orange. Its wings and tail are primarily greyish-black on the upper side and brownish-black on the underside.

Vultures form lifelong bonds with their mates within their designated territories, and if one of the pair dies, the surviving vulture typically remains in the same area, but it is unable to reproduce. In Crete, there are a total of 13 vulture territories, with only a few pairs of vultures estimated to inhabit some of them, while the remaining territories are occupied by solitary individuals.

Photo: Wikipedia