What's the difference between Old world vultures and New world vultures ?

Old World vultures and New World vultures are two distinct groups of vultures that are found in different regions of the world. The main differences between the two groups are as follows:

1. Geographic distribution: Old World vultures are found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, while New World vultures are found in North and South America.

2. Physical characteristics: Old World vultures are generally larger in size and have feathered heads, while New World vultures are smaller and have bare heads.

3. Feeding habits: Old World vultures primarily feed on carrion, while New World vultures are more opportunistic feeders and will also eat insects, small animals, and plant matter.

4. Nesting behavior: Old World vultures typically build nests in trees or on cliffs, while New World vultures often nest on the ground.

5. Taxonomy: Old World vultures belong to the family Accipitridae, while New World vultures belong to the family Cathartidae.

Overall, while both Old World and New World vultures are scavengers that play an important role in their ecosystems, they have evolved different adaptations and behaviors to suit their respective environments.

Old World Vultures (family Accipitridae)

- Appearance:
- Large, wingspans of up to 9 feet
- Strong, hooked beaks
- Soaring flight, using thermals
- Feathers around neck and head may form a ruff or hood

- Distribution:
- Europe, Africa, Asia

- Diet:
- Obligate scavengers, feeding on carrion (dead animals)
- May have specialized diets, such as feeding on fish or turtles

- Behavior:
- Often form loose colonies
- May engage in dominant-submissive relationships at feeding sites
- Some species have a "vulture's bath" behavior, where they spread their wings to dry them in sunlight

New World Vultures (family Cathartidae)

- Appearance:
- Smaller than Old World vultures, with wingspans up to 6 feet
- Weak, unhooked beaks
- Soaring flight, but less efficient than Old World vultures
- Feathers on neck and head form a bare, often colored skin patch

- Distribution:
- Americas, from Canada to Argentina

- Diet:
- Obligate scavengers, feeding on carrion
- May have specialized diets, such as feeding on insects or reptiles

- Behavior:
- Often live in flocks
- May engage in cooperative feeding
- Have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food from great distances
- Some species urinate on their legs to cool themselves down

Other Differences:

- Nest Building: Old World vultures nest on the ground or in trees, while New World vultures typically nest in cavities or on cliffs.
- Eggs: Old World vultures lay one to three eggs, while New World vultures lay one to two eggs.
- Ecological Roles: Both Old World and New World vultures play important roles in ecosystems by removing dead animals and preventing disease transmission.