The natural plumage of the adult bearded vulture on the lower neck, chest, and belly is white (as shown in attached photo 1).
Plumage of the Bearded Vulture
When in mating mood, birds of both sexes bathe in mud or puddles rich in iron oxide, which they find in nature. This causes their plumage to take on a coloration ranging from pale yellow to ochre-red (attached photo 2).
This coloring is believed to have aesthetic value and also signals the bird’s status to others of its kind, though it may also have a deparasiting effect.
On May 17, 2025, in the “Sinite kamani” Nature Park, we will release the first 3 bearded vultures as part of an effort to restore the species in Bulgaria and the Balkans. They will be young, with dark brown plumage, and will only develop the characteristic white underside after 4–5 years. Even later, they will begin bathing in mud to color themselves brightly.
You too can help the vultures
„Bearded Vulture LIFE” is co-financed with 80% by the EU programme LIFE and French Bioparc Conservation and Sainte – Croix Biodiversite.
For the remaining 20% we need your help.
Together we can help the restoration and survival of these endangered birds in our skies!
The LIFE program of the European Union finances the “Life for the Bearded Vulture” project (project 101113869 LIFE22-NAT-BG-Bearded Vulture LIFE).
The opinions expressed in the news are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the European Union’s or CINEA’s views. Neither the European Union nor the grant provider can be held responsible for the opinions expressed.
