Black Vulture
NameBlack Vulture
Common NameBlack Vulture
Scientific NameCoragyps atratus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)142.5
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)2300
Plumage DetailsEntirely black plumage, including the body and underwings. The head and neck are bare and dark gray. In flight, pale silvery patches are visible on the underside of the primary flight feathers near the wingtips.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a variety of hisses and grunts, especially when disturbed or competing for food.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, farmland, suburban areas, forest edges, coastal regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound throughout the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most of South America.
Identifying Featuresall-black plumage, bare dark gray head, short tail, silvery patches on wingtips (visible in flight), soars with shallow wing beats, often tips from side to side while soaring
Description
The Black Vulture is a large, dark scavenger with a bare, gray head and neck. It is often seen soaring in groups, holding its wings in a slight dihedral, or perched on dead trees and utility poles. These birds are highly social and play a crucial role in ecosystem clean-up.
