Vultures are a group of scavenging birds that fulfill a significant ecological function across much of the globe. They are specialized feeders, subsisting almost entirely on carrion, earning them the designation of nature’s cleanup crew. By consuming decaying animal remains, they help prevent the spread of diseases, as their highly acidic stomach neutralizes dangerous bacteria and pathogens. This role is performed by 23 species found across all continents except Australia and Antarctica.
The Global Divide: Old World Versus New World Vultures
The global distribution of these birds is fundamentally separated into two distinct evolutionary groups that occupy different landmasses. The New World vultures, which include the seven species found in the Americas, belong to the family Cathartidae. Conversely, the 16 species of Old World vultures are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, and are classified within the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles and hawks.
Despite their strong similarities in appearance and function as scavengers, the two groups are not closely related, representing one of the best examples of convergent evolution. The New World species, such as the Turkey Vulture, possess a highly developed sense of smell to locate food, a trait largely absent in the Old World group. Old World vultures rely instead on exceptional eyesight, spotting carcasses from great altitudes as they soar on air currents.
Defining Habitats and Environmental Preferences
Vulture populations are determined by environmental conditions that support their scavenging lifestyle. These birds generally inhabit open and semi-open landscapes, which provide space for wide foraging ranges. Preferred terrains include savannas, grasslands, deserts, and the high-altitude ranges of major mountain chains.
Vultures usually avoid dense, heavily forested areas because they rely on thermal updrafts to gain altitude and cover vast distances. These rising columns of warm air are necessary for long-distance travel without expending excessive energy. Open habitats also provide clear sightlines, which is important for the sight-reliant Old World species to spot carrion. A consistent supply of dead animals, guaranteed by large mammal populations (wild or domestic), is also a factor.
North and South American Species Distribution
The Turkey Vulture is the most widespread New World species, with a range extending from southern Canada down through Central and South America to Argentina. Northern populations are migratory, moving south for the winter. Vultures in warmer regions, such as California, remain year-round residents.
The Black Vulture has a more restricted distribution, typically concentrated from the southeastern United States through Central America and into South America. The two iconic condor species, the largest vultures, have highly localized distributions defined by mountainous terrain. The Andean Condor inhabits the high Andes mountains, ranging from Venezuela down to Tierra del Fuego. The California Condor has a much more limited range in the US Southwest, with small populations established in California, Arizona, and Utah.
African, European, and Asian Species Distribution
Old World species are spread across three continents, with the greatest biodiversity concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa. Vultures like the Lappet-faced, Hooded, and various Griffons, including the African White-backed Vulture, are primarily located across the continent’s open savannas and plains. These birds are important for rapidly consuming carcasses across the ranges of African wildlife.
In Europe, vultures are largely restricted to the southern regions, with strongholds in Spain, Greece, and the Balkan Peninsula. These populations often include the Eurasian Griffon Vulture and the Cinereous Vulture, which nest on cliffs in mountainous areas. The Eurasian species can also be found across parts of the Middle East and Central Asia.
Asia is home to several vulture species, including the Himalayan Griffon, which is adapted to high altitudes. Critically endangered species, such as the White-rumped and Indian Vultures, are concentrated in South Asia, particularly in India and Nepal. Their population decline is linked to the use of the veterinary drug diclofenac in livestock, which is toxic when consumed in carrion.