They are not at all closely related to the superficially similar New World vultures and condors, and do not share that group’s good sense of smell. The similarities between the two groups are due to convergent evolution rather than a close relationship.
Vultures are scavenging birds, feeding mostly from carcasses of dead animals. Old World vultures find carcasses exclusively by sight.
A particular characteristic of many vultures is a bald head, devoid of feathers. This is because a feathered head would become spattered with blood and other fluids, and thus be difficult to keep clean.
New Worldvultures and condors are not at all closely related to the superficially similar Accipitridae, but belong in the family Cathartidae, which is quite close to the storks.
The vulture population in India has declined by up to 95% recently and two or three of the species of vulture in South Asia are nearing extinction.
The vulture was thought to be close to the gods who resided in the sky because of its immense size and its ability to soar high up in the sky.
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