Which vulture holds the record for the highest recorded flight by a bird?

Rüppell's griffon vulture holds the record for the highest recorded flight by a bird.

In 1973, one of these vultures collided with an aircraft over the Ivory Coast at an altitude of about 11,300 metres. The incident provided the basis for the species’ famous altitude record, far above the normal cruising height of most birds.

Rüppell’s griffon vultures are built for soaring. Their broad wings allow them to exploit rising air over African savannas while searching for carcasses. This strategy conserves energy and lets them travel long distances between feeding opportunities.

The species lives mainly in eastern and central Africa and is highly social around food. Population declines have been linked to poisoning, habitat changes, reduced food availability, and illegal use of vulture body parts. Its record flight should not be confused with the ordinary altitude at which the species spends most of its time.