Migration

migration

Photo: Franz Robiller

The Egyptian vulture is a typical long-distance migrant. In September both young and adult birds leave the nesting territories of the species and start a long journey towards their wintering places in Africa. They migrate in small groups, mainly over land, avoiding long distances over open sea, although some individuals from the southwestern Balkan population regularly cross the Mediterranean Sea. They fly over Turkey and the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea and enter African land. Along the migration routes, they gather in great numbers at places with an abundance of food such as dumpsites and feeding stations. In spring the Egyptians cover over 4 000 km (2 500 mi.) back to their nesting territories – it takes them about 30-40 days. The migration is a critical ordeal for the young birds in particular, as they have less experience and there are a lot of dangers on the way.

< Back