Necrophage
Videos
Necrophages are animals that feed on decomposing dead animal biomass, such as the muscle and soft tissue of carcasses or corpses. The term derives from Greek nekros, meaning 'dead', and phagein, meani
Carcass of a shrew surrounded by multiple necrophages, including a blow fly and burying beetle.
Gliding flight is one of many adaptations to carrion feeding seen in vultures.
Chrysomya megacephala, a species of blow fly, laying eggs in a dead baby bird.
Chrysomya marginalis and other blow flies can arrive at carcasses within minutes of death.
Scavenger
Videos
Scavengers are animals that feed on dead and decaying organic matter. Often the term is used to describe the consumption of carrion, the bodies of animals that have died from causes other than predati
White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus), lappet-faced vultures (Torgos tracheliotos) and marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumenifer) feeding on hyena carrion
A crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) scavenging in trash for food
Griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) eating the carcass of a red deer in Spain
Sarcophaga nodosa, a species of flesh fly, feeding on decaying meat