Lammergeier

Gypaetus barbatus

Very rare vagrants to Britain from Spain with 2 records in 2016 & 2020.

Breeds in the Picos & the Pyrenees in Spain, North, Eastern & Southern Africa.

They are resident birds. 

Also known as Bearded Vultures. 

Adults are mostly dark grey, rusty, and whitish in colour.

It is grey-blue to grey-black above.

The creamy-coloured forehead contrasts against a black band across the eyes and lores and bristles under the chin, which form a black beard that give the species its English name.

Bearded Vultures are variably orange or rust of plumage on their head, breast, and leg feathers, but this is thought to be cosmetic. 

Juveniles are mainly black.

The call is sometimes shrill whistles & a falcon-like cheek-acheek.