11 Jaw-Dropping Facts About the Bone-Eating Bearded Vulture

5. Monogamous and Polyandrous Relationships

Typically monogamous, bearded vultures breed once a year. In some regions like Spain and France, they may form polyandrous trios, where a bachelor joins an existing pair. This arrangement helps increase the chances of successful reproduction and provides additional protection for the offspring. Female bearded vultures are known to accept secondary mates to enhance the survival prospects of their chicks.

These complex social structures demonstrate the bearded vulture’s adaptability and the importance of cooperation in their survival strategy. In polyandrous groups, the additional male helps with nest defense, incubation, and feeding the chicks. This cooperative breeding system is relatively rare among birds and highlights the unique social dynamics of bearded vultures.