In a remarkable event, a cinerous vulture, native to Central Asia and Europe, has been spotted in the skies of Delhi after an absence of at least three decades. The retired scientist and avid birder, Surya Prakash, witnessed the vulture soaring over Neeli Jheel in the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary on December 9, capturing the moment through photographs.
Prakash’s records indicate that this sighting is the first in Delhi-NCR in the last thirty years, with the last documented appearance dating back to 1969. The cinerous vulture, classified as a near-threatened species, boasts a wingspan of three meters, making it one of the largest and heaviest raptors globally.
Accompanied by an Egyptian vulture, the cinerous vulture faced harassment from two black kites, causing it to lose altitude. Prakash’s timely clicks confirmed the species, offering a rare glimpse into this majestic bird’s presence in the region.
The dark brown plumage, big eyes, and white patches near the beak distinguish the cinerous vulture, also known as the black vulture. The bird’s appearance in December aligns with favorable conditions for raptors, utilizing thermal currents to gain altitude with less energy.
Delhi, known for its diverse bird species, welcomes this rare sighting, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect the habitat and biodiversity of the region.
