White-Headed Vulture

Regular price $99.99 Sale price $99.99
In stock
Description

Finally, the vulture gets the spotlight it deserves.
For centuries, vultures have been maligned — but in truth, these incredible birds are nature’s clean-up crew. As striking as they are misunderstood, the White-Headed Vulture is a critical part of its ecosystem, preventing disease, breaking down waste, and rocking a powerful presence while doing it.

Our vulture silhouette pays tribute to this essential — and endangered — bird of prey. Featured in our collaboration with Auckland Zoo’s African Safari Track (go check it out!), now you can bring one home too. Whether you’re gifting to someone bold and misunderstood or simply adding character to your garden, this bird has serious presence.

Our White-Headed Vulture is:

✓ Bold & unapologetic – 37cm high × 32cm wide, approx. 700g
✓ Easy to post – ships flat in our extra-large packaging
✓ Fast to fly – same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 2pm
✓ Made in NZ – produced in a local, family-run workshop
✓ Built for the outdoors – made from 3mm Corten® steel
✓ Endures the elements – patinas over time for a weathered finish

Like a true scavenger, it’s happiest perched with purpose.

1. Find a sturdy wooden post, tree, or beam — somewhere with a good silhouette view.
2. Hold at a slight downward angle for strength and a natural perch effect.
3. Tap the thickest end of the stake gently with a hammer or mallet until firmly in place.
4. Give it a wobble test to make sure it’s secure — vultures hate instability.
5. Step back and admire the noble beauty of nature’s most underappreciated hero.

Top Tip: If you're installing into very hard wood or timber, pre-drill a pilot hole to make tapping in smoother.

Why are vultures so important to the ecosystem?
They’re the world’s clean-up crew — breaking down carcasses, preventing disease, and keeping nature balanced.

Is this the same sculpture as the one at Auckland Zoo?
Yes! This is the exact vulture silhouette featured in their African Safari Track exhibit — now available for your own garden.

What kind of gift occasion suits this?
Perfect for someone unique, overlooked, or bold — a rare bird who deserves more love. Also great for bird lovers and conservationists.

Do vultures really go bald to stay clean?
Exactly. Their bald heads are a smart evolutionary trait that helps them stay hygienic while feeding — very clever birds!

Will it last outdoors?
Absolutely. Made from weathering steel, it develops a protective rust-like patina that only looks better with age.

Style With

AS SEEN IN

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Most of our steel bird silhouettes are cut from 3 mm Corten weathering steel. Check the individual product for its material, thickness and manufacturing origin: wooden birds, clothing and other products have their own specifications.

Why does Corten steel change colour?

Outdoors, the steel develops a natural rust patina. Grey gives way to orange and brown tones, with the setting and weather doing their bit. The colour and timing vary. It is unpainted steel, so a permanent black finish is not part of the deal.

Where should I put it?

Choose a spot with good drainage. Rusty runoff can mark pale paving, pots and walls, particularly while the steel is weathering. Follow the mounting instructions for your particular bird or feeder.

See how patina develops · Find your bird · Installation and care help

The Patina Process:

That first flash of orange? Your steel bird is settling in. Corten weathering steel develops a natural rust patina, changing through orange and brown tones as it spends time outdoors.

How long does patina take?

There is no fixed timetable or guaranteed final colour. Rain, humidity, airflow and the position you choose all affect how the surface changes.

Will it stain nearby surfaces?

Rusty runoff can mark paving, pots and walls, especially during early weathering. Leave room around pale surfaces and choose a location where water can drain freely.

Is my bird painted black?

Corten birds are unpainted steel. Their finish changes naturally; they are not intended to stay permanently black. Check your product page for the exact material and care instructions.

Read about the material · Browse the birds · Ask us about care

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