Why do vultures have bald heads?

Vultures have bald heads to maintain hygiene while feeding on carrion. Feathers on their heads would collect blood and bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. A bare head allows them to stay clean and reduces the spread of pathogens. Their highly acidic stomachs also neutralise harmful bacteria from decaying meat, further protecting their health. This adaptation is vital for scavengers that rely on carcasses as their primary food source.