Introduction
Sampati is a giant vulture, the elder brother of Jatayu and the son of Aruna.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
The burnt wings
In their youth, Sampati and Jatayu competed in flying towards the sun. Sampati protected Jatayu from the heat, and his own wings were burnt. He fell to the ground on a mountain by the sea and lived there.
The news
When Angada's party came to the coast, Sampati heard them mourn Jatayu and told them he could see Lanka from where he sat. He told them that Sita was held there, 100 yojanas across the sea. As he spoke, his wings grew back.