Giant vulture

Giant vultures were a species of larger than normal vultures.

Description
Much like a standard-sized vulture, these creatures had pink bald heads and greasy blue-black feathers that covered their bodies.

Behavior
Giant vultures were often known to be malevolent as well as unusually intelligent for a bird. Far more fierce than their smaller cousins and less liable to be frightened away by injured prey. Upon sighting anything on the ground that appeared injured or dead, a giant vulture would quickly swoop down to investigate.

Biology
Giant vultures had a keen eyesight comparable to that of any eagle, falcon, or hawk. Due to their dietary habits, they possessed a natural resistance to many forms of disease as well as organic poisons.

These creatures typically laid around five to eight eggs, which would hatch within a span of two months. Their hatchlings were not capable of flight until at least four months of age.

History
The Sea Maidens Faire kept a giant vulture aboard the sailing ship the Heartbreaker, as part of their menagerie.

Ecology
Giant vultures lived in roaming flocks, typically of up to twelve members.

Diets
Like all species of vultures, these creatures were carrion eaters. They fed upon creatures that were either injured or already dead. Though they were also liable to attack creatures that were unconscious, restrained, or sleeping.

Habitats
Giant vultures typically inhabited high altitudes, such as mountains, within temperate or tropical regions. In Faerûn they were known to be found around parts of the Dalelands, Cormyr, and Sembia. In Maztica, they were known to be encountered all across its deserts.

In the Hordelands they could occasionally be found at the Katakoro Plateau, as well as in the land's following mountain ranges - A-Ling Shan, Chigiogi, Dustwall, Hagga Shan, Katakoro Shan, Khopet-Dag, Kora Shan, Kun-Yen Shan, Raurin Alta, Teyla Shan, Ulhai Shan, Yehimal.

In the Zakhara region's Crowded Sea, they could be found on the island chain of Nada al-Hazan and the archipelago of Jazayir al-Sartan.

Relationships
Some races were known to domesticate giant vultures. They were capable of being trained to stay within a specific region and to associate specific creatures with food, though only if they were raised since a young age. Their eggs and hatchlings typically fetched prices of around 30 to 60 gp.

Trivia
The spell flight of Remnis could summon a giant vulture to the aid of its caster.

Appearances

 * Adventures:
 * Black Courser
 * Princes of the Apocalypse
 * Storm King's Thunder
 * Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
 * Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
 * Organized Play & Licensed Adventures
 * Mulmaster Undone