Naked heads (was RE: Velociraptor Animation)

["Williams, Tim" <TiJaWi@agron.iastate.edu>]

David Marjanovic wrote:

> While many vultures (not all, *Gypaetus barbatus* is a notable
> exception) do have naked heads and necks like this, hyenas don't. 

Hyenas do indeed scavenge - and are notorious for this reason - but they
will hunt for live prey far more than they are given credit for.  Most of
the carrion-eating species of vultures, by contrast, are obligate
scavengers, and are unequipped to even tear open carcasses.  Certain species
bury themselves deep into the carcass - plunging their heads and neck in
through gaping wounds, or in through the anus and mouth of the carcass. 

Vultures also use their naked heads to help in evaporative cooling.



Tim


------------------------------------------------------------ 

Timothy J. Williams 

USDA-ARS Researcher 
Agronomy Hall 
Iowa State University 
Ames IA 50014 

Phone: 515 294 9233 
Fax:   515 294 3163