Baya
(a Swahili word for 'ugly') was hatched in 2002 and imported
from Belgium in 2003. Incidentally, the latin name necrosyrtes
monachus means "monk-like (bird) that drags away
the dead".
Hooded
Vultures are members of the "Old World" vulture
family all of which are considerably less aggressive than
their "New World" (American) distant cousins. Even
by Old World standards this particular species is notoriously
timid and this, combined with a very weak beak and feet, makes
Baya the most inoffensive of birds.
Unlike many species, the hooded vulture's
hed isn't completely bald. the head and neck are covered in
a dense mat of feathers - leaving the face bald. The facial
skin is normally a creamy-grey colour but when Baya gets excited
it flushes bright pink.
A blushing
bird with huge eyes and great dark eyelashes can't really
be ugly, can it? |
