The King Vulture has a large orange wattle, a caruncle.

Smaller than their nearest relatives, the condors, they have a wingspan from 1.2 to 2 meters and can weigh up to 3.7 kilos. King Vultures are carnivores. Most their food is acquired through scavenging animal carcasses. Their beak is designed to tear flesh. It is the dominant bird when feeding at a carcase if condors are not present. Found across South and Central America they inhabit a wide range of habitats but prefer areas where there is some woodland. Captive birds have lived for 30 years. It was very important in Mayan culture and art. Conservation status - Least concern but declining in numbers.