Gypaetus

/dʒɪˈpiːtəs/ noun

Definition

The scientific genus name for the bearded vulture or lammergeier, a large mountain-dwelling bird of prey known for eating bones.

Etymology

From Greek 'gype' (vulture) + 'aetus' (eagle), combining the two birds to describe a creature combining vulture and eagle characteristics. Latin binomial nomenclature established in the 18th century for this unique bone-eating raptor.

Kelly Says

The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is possibly the most metal bird alive—it's one of the only animals that specializes in eating pure bone, and can digest a cow femur with its extremely acidic stomach!

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