Bearded Vultures – Scavengers Turned Treasure Keepers?

Have you ever heard of birds passing down heirlooms from one generation to the next? Bearded vultures are mountain-dwelling, scavenging birds whose diet consists of 70% – 90% bone. The birds occupied Spain until about a century ago. They are known for building sturdy nests that could withstand the intense mountain weather. Recently, scientists discovered 12 abandoned nests built by bearded vultures that contained artifacts of all kinds that date back hundreds of years.

Artifacts and More

A team of scientists from the Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, led by Antoni Margalida, spent six years recovering items from abandoned bird nests. What was found in the vultures’ homes is nothing short of amazing. A mixture of less exciting items like hair, bones, eggshells, and hooves were discovered – but some neat stuff was stashed, too! researchers found over 200 pieces of man-made items, including weapons like a crossbow bolt, a slingshot, and a wooden lance (a spear-like weapon). A sandal made from grass and sticks, as well as a woven basket, were also discovered.

Using radiocarbon dating, scientists were able to determine the age of the items. The age of the man-made objects ranged between 150 – 675 years old. The sandal was found to be 650 years old!

Bearded vulture nests are known to be well-preserved and are often used by multiple generations. The homes are tucked away in cool, dry spaces along the side of mountains, and the climate in the best nesting spots is also conducive to preserving the items the birds used to make the nests.

What Can Scientists Learn From Their Discovery?

The scientists and archaeologists exploring this amazing discovery are looking forward to what else can be learned from the newly uncovered objects.

“We have several ideas to analyze in the future,” says Antoni Margadila, “I think that this material will offer a lot of possibilities.”

The researchers are hopeful to learn more about the history of humans and ways to support plant and animal conservation efforts. They also intend to study diet changes of the vultures and also investigate the effects of the animal’s possible exposure to the use of pesticides and insecticides in farming and agriculture.

The conservation and reintroduction of bearded vultures in Southern Spain began in the 1970s. It is possible that these artifacts could be clues to why they left in the first place. Globally, the birds are listed as near threatened. In the Mediterranean, they are classified as endangered, with approximately 180 to 249 known to still live in the area.

1. The bearded vhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/10/06/health/diet-sugary-soda-fatty-liver-cancer-wellness
2. ultures of Spain build sturdy, tucked-away nests to protect themselves. These nests are used multiple generations. Researchers have found historical man-made items in them, as well.
3. Researchers found a 650-year-old sandal in one nest.
4. Conservation efforts to save the bearded vulture in Spain began in the 1970s.