American griffon vulture

The American griffon vulture (Gyps americanum), also known as the North American griffon vulture, the American griffin, the North American griffin, the American scavenging vulture, and the American scavenger vulture, is a species of Old World vulture that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout almost every habitat across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American griffon vulture is a huge Old World vulture species, usually measuring around 95–115 centimeters (37–45 inches) in body length, with a wingspan of 2.5–2.9 meters (8.2–9.5 feet). The American griffon vulture is a typical-looking Old World vulture, with a very white head in most individuals (although some have completely naked pink heads), very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers, and many have light gray body feathers, although some American griffon vultures have darker gray, even black, feathers, making them somewhat resemble stereotypical vultures in color (especially the individuals with naked pink heads). Like many other vultures, the American griffon vulture is a scavenger, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals which it finds by soaring over open areas, often moving in flocks. It establishes nesting colonies on trees and in cliffs while coverage of open areas and availability of dead animals within dozens of kilometres of these trees and cliffs is high. The American griffon vulture grunts and hisses at roosts or when feeding on carrion. The maximum recorded lifespan of the American griffon vulture is 44.1 years for an individual in captivity. The American griffon vulture usually breeds on crags in mountains as well as in nests or crevices in trees, laying either 2 or three eggs. American griffon vultures may form loose colonies. The population is mostly resident. Juveniles and immature individuals may migrate far or embark on long-distance movements. Density Dependence in this colonial species has been shown to affect annual reproductive success with eyries in protected location (caves, potholes and sheltered ledges) producing more fledglings, and used preferentially, than low-quality eyries (exposed ledges and open crevices), which were only used when the number of breeding individuals increased. The conservation status of the American griffon vulture is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American griffon vulture's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.