Vultures

Vultures. They've been maligned across the world, but I encourage you to join me in my buzzard worship. They do the dirty work of removing carcasses so we don't have to wade around in a world of rotting flesh. Not only that, but their uber-acidic stomachs can dissolve gnarly pathogens like anthrax, rabies, and TB, meaning they help prevent plagues. These OG recyclers defy treehugging stereotypes by acting metal AF. From shitting on their legs to cool off, to vomiting up rotten meat soup in self defense, vultures give zero shits about conforming to your average avian standards.

Bearded Vulture

Gypaetus barbatus

These handsome buzzards specialize in eating bones, and will coat their feathers in iron-rich soil or pools to stain their feathers red. Scientists are unclear if this is just part of their skincare routine or a political statement.

King Vulture

Sarcoramphus papa

The David Bowie of vultures, these icons are as ostentatious as they are antisocial. As one of the largest birds in Latin America, they're often the first to feed at a carcass, tearing it open while the smaller (and less regal) vultures wait their turn. Pleebs.

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

Possessing what is arguably one of the best olfactory senses in the animal kingdom, these beautiful baldies can be found soaring across the Americas.

Cape Griffon Vulture

Gyps coprotheres

One of the largest birds in Southern Africa, these communal vultures use their keen eyesight to spot carcasses from on high. Like, really high. Like, over 23,000 ft high.

Lappet-faced Vulture

Torgos tracheliotos

The biggest baddest buzzard in Africa, these agro vultures are often the first to tear into a carcass. Normally solitary, they do team up to hunt and kill flamingos. Rude. And apparently they cackle like witches.

Egyptian Vulture

Neophron percnopterus

Also known as the Pharaoh's Chicken, they are the world's first protected species. Symbolic of royalty, ancient Egyptian pharoah's prohibited killing them.

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