Lithornis vulturinus is the classic London Clay lithornithid and the name bearing species of Lithornis. Lithornithids were volant palaeognaths with a much more flight capable body plan than the large flightless palaeognaths familiar today, combining strong wings with relatively long terrestrial legs.

The species probably foraged on the ground and could move readily between feeding areas by flight. A mixed diet including small invertebrates and other terrestrial foods is plausible but remains inferred. Historical material has been difficult to interpret, while modern reassessment of the neotype and additional specimens is refining the anatomy of the species.