A massive vulture with a bullish, naked, square head, a bulky bluish-yellow beak, and wrinkled loose skin (lappets) on the face. Adults have a brown-and-white streaked chest and puffy white leggings, while immatures are all-brown. In flight, the very broad wings, white leggings, and small white lines at the front of the wing are diagnostic. Rare and declining but widespread in open country; found in drier areas than other vultures. Aggressive at kills, dominating proceedings and opening the carcass for other scavengers.