Instead of having Storks as cousins, like New World Vultures, Old World Vultures are cousins of Hawks. Although They have long bald necks and heads and heavy beaks like the New World Vultures, Old World Vultures also have eagle-like feet. With their talons, They can tear at flesh as well as hunt Lizards and Rodents. Like Hawks, They build sturdy nests of sticks in trees or on cliff ledges. However, unlike New World Vultures, Old World Vultures' sense of smell is not as highly developed.
With their keen eyesight, Old World Vultures can spot a carcass on the open plains. While watching each other in flight, the entire colony of Vultures will search for food. When One lands, the rest swoop down to join Her. If the carcass is large enough, They all will feed at once. Otherwise, Old World Vultures will have ritual fights to decide who eats first.
Old World Vultures have an uncanny ability to show up wherever there is a sick animal. Oftentimes, people see Them circling waiting for an animal to die. In Africa, people believe that Vulture can dream and prophesize death. At any rate, Old World Vultures follow their own innate wisdom in living their lives. Follow their example and listen to your inner voice.
Old World Vultures’ Teachings Include:
“Vulture is highly respected in Egypt. All vultures were thought of as female, and you will see images of vultures on the Crown of the Pharaoh, where the vulture represents Upper Egypt. Vulture knows when you are truly ready for change, for she watches and waits patiently, and when the time is ripe, she sees the death of the old and devours it so that it can be born again anew.” Copyright: “Power Animal Meditations”, Nicki Scully.
Take time to read what the Individual Old World Vulture Teachers have to teach.
Go To African White-back Vulture's Teachings
Go To Griffon Vulture's Teachings
Or
Go To New World Vulture's Teachings
Return to Individual Winged Ones
Return to the Main Animal Page
Conservation Note: Many Old World Vultures are endangered due to habitat loss.
Vulture Photo copyrighted by Peter Glogg, Visipix.com
Va. Carper
March 18, 2003