Vulture

Vultures resemble large birds, and are dangerous predators. They appear to be propelled by gas from their bodies.

Originally coined as the 'Sky Kraken,' Vultures are menacing foes.

Note: Being a large, flying creature, Vultures are not encountered in underground regions. However, they will freely appear in rooms exposed to the sky, including rooms lacking a roof.

Strategy
Vultures can be avoided by looking for the shadow they cast. Hiding in tunnels or small spaces may sometimes work, however, despite their size they can squeeze into surprisingly small areas and can reach into holes to pluck prey out of hiding places. Also, if necessary, Vultures can use their wings in order to traverse across the ground, though at a very slow pace.

Vultures may run away if hit by too many spears, although the amount can vary. Explosive spears can also be used to stun the vultures, allowing escaping or attacking. Vultures can be killed if enough spears are used or are lured into running into a Pole Plant or a Monster Water Kelp.

The mask the vulture is wearing can be stolen or removed. However, the vulture the mask is stolen from will become exceedingly aggressive, hunting down slugcat and refusing to leave. Because of this, it is suggested to kill a vulture before taking its mask. Unmasked vultures will be 'bullied' by, and sometimes killed by, vultures with masks.

Vultures will scare nearby Lizards into hiding. Lizards which fail to hide may be grabbed and killed. Saving a lizard from a vulture counts towards befriending the lizard. Conversely, the vulture's mask can be held and worn, and used to scare away lizards. It can also be traded to scavengers.

Surprisingly, it is possible to tame a vulture by feeding it suitable prey. The vulture will then no longer attack slugcat.

Trivia

 * The grey caps on their back open when gas is released.