The hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) is a small, scruffy-looking vulture with a distinctive cream-colored hood of downy feathers running from the back of its neck to the crown of its head. It has dark brown plumage, a long thin bill, and a bare crown, face, and fore-neck. The face is typically a light red color, flushing red when agitated. This species is one of the smaller members of the Old World vultures.
Adult hooded vultures are characterized by their pinkish-white head, which can turn red when they are excited, and a grey to black "hood." They have broad wings for soaring and a short tail. Both sexes appear similar, though females may have longer eyelashes. Juveniles resemble adults but are darker with a purplish sheen to their body feathers.
Hooded vultures are found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, deserts, wooded savannas, forest edges, and coastal areas. They are often seen around human habitation, waste tips, and abattoirs.
This species has a widespread distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with populations in southern, East, and West Africa. They are most commonly found in the western region of The Gambia.
