Wildlife in the Alps – Spotlight on the Bearded Vulture

Bearded vultures (Gypaetus barbatus) lay their eggs in the middle of winter. That’s extraordinary because most birds lay their eggs in spring. But then again, most birds don’t eat bones like a bearded vulture does. Reproducing in winter works very well for bearded vultures, because when chicks are born during the end of winter, food is widely available. After all, vultures feed on dead animals and harsh winters in the Alps make a lot of victims amongst wildlife.

Bone breakers

The food of a bearded vulture consists mainly of bones of carcasses (supplemented by a little bit of meat and tendons). Some bones are too big to be swallowed whole, but that’s not a problem for a bearded vulture. The bird will grab the bone between its claws or in its beak and fly high into the sky. It will then drop the bone from a great height onto rocks below. This way the bone will break into bite-sized pieces. Hence the bearded vulture’s nickname: the bone breaker.

Scavenger

Bearded vultures are scavengers and don’t hunt. Instead, they fly around in search for carcasses of animals that have died of natural causes or in accidents, like avalanches. Bearded vultures mainly feed on carcasses of wild ungulates, such as alpine ibex and chamois. They also eat carcasses from domestic life stock, like sheep. The bones of animals that don’t survive winter, might become a wonderful meal for a fluffy bearded vulture chick.

Where to see a bearded vulture?

Keep your eyes on the sky when hiking the Tour du Mont  Blanc, because bearded vultures are one of the most iconic species you might see on this trek. Sightings are especially common over the Col du Bonhomme.

Would you like to read more about the bearded vulture and other wildlife you might see on the Tour du Mont Blanc?

Click here: Wildlife on the Tour du Mont Blanc: top five species

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Simone van Velzen

In her work as an alpine naturalist Simone adds an exciting new dimension to your Tour du Mont Blanc trek with insights into the incredibly rich flora and fauna of the Alps. Simone studied Wildlife Management at the Van Hall Institute in the Netherlands. After her studies she left her home country (which is flatter than a pancake) and moved to British Columbia. In the Canadian Rockies, she discovered the astonishing richness of mountain environments. Her passion for mountain nature was born. And when she returned to Europe, she based herself in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the perfect setting for exploring and studying the natural history of mountain environments. As an alpine naturalist she writes for outdoor magazines and leads excursions in the natural world.

If you step into the natural world with Simone, her passion for all living things—wild flowers to lichen, birds to mammals—can’t help but rub off on you. She’s excited to meet you on your Tour du Mont Blanc and share the amazing natural wonders in the Alps.

Latest posts by Simone van Velzen (see all)

• The Alps: A Biodiversity Treasure Trove - December 10, 2020
• Flora in the Alps – Spotlight on the Alpenrose - June 25, 2020
• Tour du Mont Blanc Hightlight: The Contamines-Montjoie Nature Reserve - May 21, 2020