Sarcoramphus papa Skull Replica or King Vulture measures 4.4×2.5×2.5 inches. King Vulture Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast made in USA. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw).
The King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) is a large bird found in Central and South America. It is a member of the New World vulture family Cathartidae.
This vulture lives predominantly in tropical lowland forests stretching from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It is the only surviving member of the genus Sarcoramphus, although fossil members are known.
Large and predominantly white, the Sarcoramphus papa or King vulture has gray to black ruff, flight, and tail feathers. The head and neck are bald, with the skin color varying, including yellow, orange, blue, purple, and red.
The Sarcoramphus papa or King vulture has a very noticeable orange fleshy caruncle on its beak. This vulture is a scavenger and it often makes the initial cut into a fresh carcass. It also displaces smaller New World vulture species from a carcass.
The King vulture is the largest of the New World vultures. Its overall length ranges from 26 to 32 in. and its wingspan is 4 to 7 ft. Its weight ranges from 6 to 10 lb.
The King vulture has, relative to its size, the largest skull and braincase, and strongest bill, of the New World vultures. This bill has a hooked tip and a sharp cutting edge. The bird has broad wings and a short, broad, and square tail.
The Sarcoramphus papa or King vulture irises of its eyes are white and bordered by bright red sclera. Unlike some New World vultures, the King vulture lacks eyelashes. It also has gray legs and long, thick claws.
The vulture is minimally sexually dimorphic, with no difference in plumage and little in size between males and females.
King vultures have been known to live for up to 30 years in captivity. Although currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, they are decreasing in number, due primarily to habitat loss.