Vultures are found in temperate and tropical regions, except Australia and most oceanic islands.

They lay one or two (rarely three) eggs and incubate them for seven or eight weeks. The young mature more quickly than other falconiform birds do.

Most vultures have broad food habits, consuming carrion, garbage, and excrement, but rarely live animals. A few occasionally take helpless live prey (as lambs and tortoises). Vultures may remain aloft for hours, soaring gracefully on long, broad wings. Vultures inhabit many kinds of terrain, often roosting and nesting in groups on cliffs, in tall trees, or on the ground.

The 20 species have bare heads and large crops. Their feet are big but weak and flat nailed, adapted to walking and to holding a carcass. In some the beak is exceptionally strong and heavy, for tearing hides and meat. Eyesight is well developed.