King Vulture Profile by danob
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
This is a raptor that is full of surprises for me and despite being a Vulture, in my view rather beautiful, dazzling colours, and has a fascinating history with mankind!
The King Vulture is one of the most common species of birds represented in the Mayan codices. It's glyph is easily distinguishable by the knob on the bird’s beak and by the concentric circles that make up the bird’s eyes.
Sometimes the bird is portrayed as a god with a human body and a bird head. According to Mayan mythology, this god often carried messages between humans and the other gods. It is also used to represent Cozcaquauhtli, the thirteenth day of the month in the Mayan calendar. An Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata) was also considered to be the bird depicted, but the hooked bill and wattle point to the raptor.
The bird’s blood and feathers were also used to cure diseases. The King Vulture is also a popular subject on the stamps of the countries within its range. It appeared on a stamp for El Salvador in 1963, Belize in 1978, Guatemala in 1979, Honduras in 1997, Bolivia in 1998, and Nicaragua in 1999.

Comments (36)
Very cool capture. Nice thing about Renderosity, you learn such great stuff...
what an interesting bird! FANTASTIC portrait!!!!!!
This really floats my boat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a beautiful photograph this is. So clear and well focused, excellent lighting and compostion. Super job with this.
I have to agree, this is one spectacular bird. I had no idea vultures could be so colorful. What an amazing shot and fascinating info. CC
The crow was know to carry those messages in many tribes here...a far cry from this gorgeous and majestic bird. Incredible portrait and wonderful information.
a very diferent bird...amazing!
Stunning image and subject!
An artwork of nature, excellent presented!!
WOW, Daniel--a very very special bird--and an excellent shot--THANX!
impeccable beauty and focus
Really a magnificent capture of this regal bird Danny, always enjoy your in depth presentations
Very beautifu bird , Danny !! Splendid photo !!! Great info !
Un réel chef d' oeuvre !!!
Great capture it is rather beautiful.. I have to agree with Faemike rendo is a great place to learn all sorts of info.. Thanks for sharing Danny.
Marvelous image. Great shot!!
Finally got a new monitor. Boy do beautiful images like this come to life now. Really great shot!
Quite a complicated looking chap ! - Amazeing image !
wow... amazing!
belle photo
he's just an incredible looking bird.
Awesome image I got up some newbies drop by when ya can Hope things are ok with you Hugs Susan~
Impressive bird and fantastic photography my friend.....!!!
Stunning colorful capture and another instant favorite my friend.
Great profile! There really is such a thing as an attractive Vulture. ;) Beautiful capture!
Both ugly and beautiful at the same time! Great image!
WOW - truly awesome capture of this beautiful bird - I would never have thought of it as being a vulture!
A truly strange looking bird, dear Danny. Wonderful capture of him. Hugs for all day. DiDi. xx
Excellent focus
Wickedly handsome:)
He does have an interesting face. Nice shot. Aloha