American bearded vulture

The **American bearded vulture** (*Breagypaetus hirsutus*), also known as the **American lammergeier**, is a species of bird of prey and a member of the New World vulture family that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, scrublands, and mountainous regions across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American bearded vulture is 94–125 centimeters (37–49 inches) long with a wingspan of 2.31–2.83 meters (7.6–9.3 ft). It weighs around 4.5–7.8 kg (9.9–17.2 lb). Unlike most vultures, the bearded vulture does not have a bald head. The American bearded vulture is silent, apart from shrill whistles in their breeding displays and a falcon-like cheek-acheek call made around the nest. Like other vultures, it is a scavenger, feeding mostly on the remains of dead animals. The American bearded vulture's diet comprises mammals (91%), birds (6%) and reptiles (3%), with medium-sized ungulates forming a large part of the diet. It usually disdains the actual meat and lives on a diet that is typically 85–90% bone marrow. This is among the only living bird species that specializes in feeding on marrow. The American bearded vulture can swallow whole or bite through brittle bones up to the size of a lamb's femur and its powerful digestive system quickly dissolves even large pieces. The American bearded vulture has learned to crack bones too large to be swallowed by carrying them in flight to a height of 50–150 m (160–490 ft) above the ground and then dropping them onto rocks below, which smashes them into smaller pieces and exposes the nutritious marrow. They can fly with bones up to 10 cm (3.9 inches) in diameter and weighing over 4 kg (8.8 lb), or nearly equal to their own weight. After dropping the large bones, the American bearded vulture spirals or glides down to inspect them and may repeat the act if the bone is not sufficiently cracked. This learned skill requires extensive practice by immature birds and takes up to seven years to master. Less frequently, these birds have been observed trying to break bones (usually of a medium size) by hammering them with their bill directly into rocks while perched. During the breeding season they feed mainly on carrion. They prefer limbs of sheep and other small mammals and they carry the food to the nest, unlike other vultures which feed their young by regurgitation. Live prey is sometimes attacked by the American bearded vulture, with perhaps greater regularity than any other vulture. The American bearded vulture occupies an enormous territory year-round. It may forage over 2 km2 (0.77 sq mi) each day. The breeding period is variable, being September through December in southeastern United States, June to November in northwestern Mexico and southwestern United States, May to October in central and western United States, throughout the year throughout Mexico and in southern United States, and January to May in eastern United States. Although generally solitary, the bond between a breeding pair is often considerably close. Biparental monogamous care occurs in the American bearded vulture. In a few cases, polyandry has been recorded in the species. The territorial and breeding display between American bearded vultures is often spectacular, involving the showing of talons, tumbling and spiralling while in solo flight. The large birds also regularly lock feet with each other and fall some distance through the sky with each other. The conservation status of the American bearded vulture is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the American bearded vulture's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.