Accipitres competing over carrion. Of course none of these birds would be found in the same part of the world, but this is an excellent comparison between the Old World vultures and the New World vultures. The Egyptian vulture and Griffon vultures are considered Old World vultures, as is the Lammergeier. However, the Lammergeier is not closely related to the other Old World vultures, aside from the Egyptian vulture.  New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but are superficially similar (they look alike). New World vultures (such as the California condor and turkey vulture) have an excellent sense of smell, and are often the first scavenger at the scene of the death. These are the ones that are popularly depicted as circling overhead when someone or something is dying. Old World vultures have a poor sense of smell, but good eyesight, and tend to follow other birds to carcasses, then fight them away from it. Natural History of the Animal Kingdom for the Use of Young People. W. F. Kirby, 1889.

Accipitres competing over carrion.

Of course none of these birds would be found in the same part of the world, but this is an excellent comparison between the Old World vultures and the New World vultures. The Egyptian vulture and Griffon vultures are considered Old World vultures, as is the Lammergeier. However, the Lammergeier is not closely related to the other Old World vultures, aside from the Egyptian vulture. 

New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but are superficially similar (they look alike). New World vultures (such as the California condor and turkey vulture) have an excellent sense of smell, and are often the first scavenger at the scene of the death. These are the ones that are popularly depicted as circling overhead when someone or something is dying. Old World vultures have a poor sense of smell, but good eyesight, and tend to follow other birds to carcasses, then fight them away from it.

Natural History of the Animal Kingdom for the Use of Young People. W. F. Kirby, 1889.

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