The Bearded Vulture of the Pyrenees
The bearded vulture is a bird of almost 3 metres wingspan which flies over the Pyrenees with its imposing flight. It is clearly distinguishable by its bushy black beard under its beak, reddish outline to its eyes and legs of a chrome colour similar to blue. It can weigh up to 7kg, and its name comes from its feeding technique: it flies high over animal bones and then drops them against a stone to gain access to their interior, where they devour the marrow.
The bearded vulture is really special, as it is the only bird on our planet that eats bones, and it lives mainly in the more mountainous areas of the PyreneesThey use small hollows as shelter for their young. The mating season is at the beginning of autumn and egg-laying takes place throughout the winter.
The breeding cycle of this species lasts up to 6 months, and mortality among hatchlings is very high (50%) as the stronger chicks tend to devour the weaker ones, with their parents continuing to feed the survivor.
This species is in seriously endangered due to the dishonourable practice of bait poisoning, which has been the major cause of death of the entire species. Food shortages in general are also a major problem, causing their population to dwindle.
Fortunately, numerous organisations promote and carry out the conservation of this wonderful species with the aim of preserving one of the wonders of our country and of the world.
To this end, numerous informative talks and relentless pursuit of the poisoners are carried out, in order to ensure the preservation of the bearded vulture.
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