Huge, majestic, dark-brown vulture. In flight, looks all dark, with some contrast between the leading edge and trailing edge from below. Soars on flat wings, often slightly drooping, with prominent wing fingers and a saw-toothed trailing edge. Juvenile lacks the adult’s pale head patches. Imposing and dominant over other vultures at carcasses. Forages over rugged mountains, upland forests, grasslands, and steppes. Sometimes disperses significant distances in the winter.