Birds Around Me 0210 - Indian vulture or long-billed vulture देशी गिद्ध (Gyps indicus)

Indian vulture or long-billed vulture देशी गिद्ध (Gyps indicus)
Katangi, Jabalpur, October 2023

The last time I saw an Indian Vulture or Long-billed Vulture (देशी गिद्ध), Gyps indicus, was probably in 1992. However, an October 2023 trip to Jabalpur took me to the nesting grounds of these majestic birds. I fondly remember watching them from school windows, in groups of tens, perched on a garbage mound. Their flight was just as elegant as ever. As Dr. Salim Ali quoted, "It quarters the heaven sailing majestically for hours on end on outspread motionless wings, scanning the countryside for food." A ban on the veterinary use of diclofenac has helped their population recover slightly, but they remain Critically Endangered.

The nesting site in Katangi, Jabalpur, is a beautiful location. I was overwhelmed to see more than 20 vultures soaring above and many more perched along the cliff.

The Indian vulture or long-billed vulture देशी गिद्ध (Gyps indicus) has a large, robust body with a pale, buff-colored head and neck. The plumage is mostly dark brown, with a contrasting whitish underbelly and lighter feathering on the neck. They have a powerful, hooked beak designed for tearing flesh.

These vultures are quite large, with a wingspan ranging from 2.2 to 2.6 meters and a body length of about 85-95 cm. Known for their soaring flight, Indian Vultures can often be seen gliding gracefully on thermal currents for extended periods. They are social birds, typically found in groups, especially around feeding sites.

Indian vulture or long-billed vulture देशी गिद्ध (Gyps indicus) are often found in open terrains, including savannas, grasslands, and arid regions. They prefer areas with nearby cliffs or large trees for nesting. They are commonly seen near human settlements, particularly around garbage dumps and carcass disposal sites.

Indian vulture or long-billed vulture देशी गिद्ध (Gyps indicus) prefer nesting on cliffs and large trees. Visiting nesting sites like those in Katangi, Jabalpur, can provide excellent viewing opportunities.

Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to spot them soaring in search of food.

Interesting Fact: Jatayu (Sanskrit: जटायुः, Jaṭāyuḥ) is a demigod in the Hindu epic Ramayana, who takes the form of a vulture (or eagle).

The Parsi community in India continues the practice of leaving deceased bodies exposed in high towers called the "Towers of Silence", allowing vultures to feed. This practice remains prevalent.

Hindi Name of Indian vulture or long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus): देशी गिद्ध

Birds Around Me - Unfinished List (अपूर्ण सूची)
https://birds.rekabira.in/p/this-is-list-of-birds-i-clicked-since.html

Ashutosh Jhureley @BirdsAroundMe