Bones, an African White-backed Vulture, escaped from Blackbrook Zoological Park, near Leek, a month ago.

The bird, which stands 30in high, has been spotted in different areas of Staffordshire and zoo staff believe it could be living off road kill.

Curator Malcolm Mycock said staff were hoping to catch the five-year-old bird over the winter when it is less active and perches on lower ground.

He said there had been sightings from around the country but he believed the bird was probably nearby.

Mr Mycock said: “They feed on carrion, things like road kill – badgers and foxes.

“I think our best chance of catching it now is in the winter. They tend to sit around more in the winter.”

He said the initial search for the bird had been confused because there appeared to be a number of escaped vultures at large.

“We’ve had sightings from around the country. Apparently there are three or four vultures flying around the countryside,” he said.

Bones has a wingspan of about 11ft. He is not aggressive, but the public has been advised not to try to catch him.