Copulation behaviour in the Egyptian VultureNeophron percnopterus

This paper presents the first detailed description of copulation behaviour in the Egyptian Vulture. The study was carried out in northern Spain during 1989– 91. Pair copulations began around 25 days before laying and were uncommon after the first egg was laid. Some copulations (11.6%) were observed during the nestling period. Two extra-pair copulation attempts were observed. The copulation behaviour of Egyptian Vultures seems to be exceptional when compared with other raptors: mate attendance was intensive, especially during the days prior to laying and copulation frequency was high even considering only those performed in the nesting territory: 55±18 copulations/female between days −¸15 and 0, and a maximum of 9 copulations/female/day during the presumed fertile period. Some copulations also occcurred during foraging trips.