The Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) is a massive, pale Old World vulture from the Himalayas, characterized by its huge size (up to 10 ft wingspan), sandy-buff body, dark flight feathers, and a distinctive pale ruff with white streaks; adults have a downy head, while juveniles are darker and become paler with age, playing a vital scavenging role in high-altitude ecosystems by consuming carcasses.