Saw this very dark Griffon Vulture over Despeñaperros last October which looks almost like a Ruppell's Vulture. Just like some confirmation from the experts here. I'm wondering how far north the Ruppell's have been seen.
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Dark Griffon Vulture, Despeñaperros, October (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Sunbird24
- Start date
RafaelMatias
Unknown member
A dark Griffon.
No pale edges to the underparts (including the undertail coverts). Rüppell's have shorter wings also. The grey skin on the face of this bird would tend to be a shade of pinkish in Rüppell's, etc.
The northernmost record in Portugal was in the Gerês area (around here) in 1993 (if my memory is correct), and last year I saw one in the Douro basin (here).
I guess in Spain they might have been seen further to the north, but not sure.
No pale edges to the underparts (including the undertail coverts). Rüppell's have shorter wings also. The grey skin on the face of this bird would tend to be a shade of pinkish in Rüppell's, etc.
The northernmost record in Portugal was in the Gerês area (around here) in 1993 (if my memory is correct), and last year I saw one in the Douro basin (here).
I guess in Spain they might have been seen further to the north, but not sure.
Thanks for the response and the details, there is a possibility that they might appear in the Systema Central around Somosierra which I frequently visit. I did see one at Cabranosa a week earlier, pictures here. Not very clear unfortunately, it only appeared in one picture, and then only in one corner.
RafaelMatias
Unknown member
Yep, that's one. Up to 4 (5?) together have been seen at Cabranosa/Sagres. I'd guess that Rüppell's are possible anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula where Griffons are found as they migrate together. It's just that they're easier to find at the migration points where Griffons congregate in very large numbers.
RafaelMatias
Unknown member
First records for France now, published in Ornithos (confirming they're possible anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula where Griffons are found):
