Wild Inside on BBC Radio 4

A large vulture with red eyes, buff body and black wings, sits on a wooden structure

Dive into the fascinating world of the bearded vulture with our Curator, Holly, as she features on ‘Wild Inside’ on BBC Radio 4. In this captivating episode, Holly joins forces with Prof. Ben Garrod and Dr Jess French to unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the feathers of this magnificent old-world vulture.

The episode delves deep into the bearded vulture’s anatomy, providing a unique perspective beyond its beautifully coloured plumage. If you haven’t tuned in yet, catch the enlightening discussion on BBC Sounds: link to the episode.

Curious about what makes the bearded vulture truly extraordinary? Here’s a sneak peek at some of the key features explored in the episode:

  1. The Intimidating Stare: Discover the bright red scleral ring surrounding the bearded vulture’s iris, capable of flushing with blood to create a bold and intimidating gaze.
  2. Mouth of Marvels: Explore the wide gape of its mouth, designed to swallow large bone shards without a scratch, and get a glimpse inside the trachea and oesophagus with unique cartilage rings.
  3. Dyed Elegance: Uncover the secret behind the dyed white feathers around the neck and body of bearded vultures, achieved through bathing in ferrous-rich mud.
  4. Striking Accents: Admire the striking white accents on each black feather, adding to the species’ distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
  5. The Big Picture: Understand how all these features combine to shape the iconic and unique bearded vulture.

Also known as the Lammergeier, this impressive bird soars across Europe, central Asia and eastern African mountain ranges with a nearly three-meter wingspan. Prof. Ben Garrod and Dr Jess French guide us beyond the myths and misconceptions, unveiling the truth about the bearded vulture’s diet and the mechanics that keep its great wings aloft.

Don’t miss out on this enlightening journey into the heart of the bearded vulture. Tune in now and explore the wild inside of one of nature’s most captivating creatures!