A large, buff-brown vulture with pale underwing patches and a diagnostic pale rump patch that is best seen in flight. Prefers open savanna and plains, where it breeds in loose colonies in tall trees. It remains Africa’s commonest vulture but is declining rapidly as it is highly susceptible to poisoning. The similar Cape Griffon is larger and paler, with a pale honey-colored eye (visible at close range), and less contrast between the flight feathers and the reminder of the underwing in flight.