How high can a vulture fly?
The Rüppell's vulture is the world's highest-flying bird, reaching altitudes of 37,000 feet.
In 1973, a Rüppell's vulture collided with a commercial jet over the Ivory Coast at 37,000 feet. These birds survive at such extreme heights thanks to a specialized hemoglobin that efficiently absorbs oxygen in thin air. Flying this high allows them to scan massive areas for food while staying above most weather and predators.
Nerd Mode
The record for the highest avian flight was established on November 29, 1973, when a Rüppell's vulture (Gyps rueppellii) was sucked into a jet engine of a commercial aircraft flying over Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 11,300 meters, which is approximately 37,000 feet. This height is well within the stratosphere, where temperatures can drop below -50 degrees Celsius and oxygen is extremely scarce.To survive in such a hypoxic environment, these vultures have evolved a unique genetic adaptation involving their hemoglobin. Research published in the 'Journal of Biological Chemistry' shows that they possess several hemoglobin variants, including a high-oxygen-affinity type called Hb D. This specialized protein allows their blood to bind to oxygen molecules even when atmospheric pressure is incredibly low.This evolutionary trait is essential for their survival as scavengers in Africa. By soaring to these extreme heights, they can utilize thermal updrafts to stay airborne for hours without flapping their wings. This vantage point provides a massive field of vision, allowing them to spot carcasses from dozens of miles away. It also keeps them safely above the turbulence of lower-altitude weather systems.
Verified Fact
FP-0002017 · Feb 16, 2026