Himalayan vultures are huge, bulky vultures with stout bills, loosely feathered ruff, long wings and a short tail. They can weigh up to 12 kg with a body length of 95 to 130 cm and a wingspan of 270 to 300 cm. Juveniles generally experience a gradual change of body covering from white down to dark brown feathers with the head remaining a whitish colour. Adults strongly contrast between cream and blackish, while the juveniles are dark. Adult plumage is used to distinguish them from Gyps fulvus since Gyps himalayensis is much paler (less reddish colour) and larger. Himalayan vultures are also much larger than Gyps indicus and possess a stouter, much more robust bill.