This is the White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis) which is rare and declining throughout its range. It has been classified as critically endangered by IUCN, which is the highest category before extinction in the wild. Although it is widespread in sub-Saharan Africa it is always scarce and at low density. Being a vulture it feeds on animal carcases and has suffered from deliberate poisoning aimed at Jackals and Hyenas. It is also susceptible to anti-inflammatory drugs given to cattle on their last legs, which decimated vulture populations in India. A third problem is that poachers shoot them because they draw attention to illegal animal kills. This adult was just coming into land in Ethiopia’s Rift Valley. It was the only one we saw throughout the entire trip.
Taken with a Nikon D500 and a 300mm f4 lens with a 1.4x converter. 1/4000 second f8 ISO 1600 (19 February 2017)
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