Black Vulture
NameBlack Vulture
Common NameBlack Vulture
Scientific NameCoragyps atratus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)140
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)2300
Plumage DetailsEntirely black plumage, including the bare head and neck. The underside of the primary flight feathers has noticeable white patches, visible when the bird is in flight.
Vocalization / CallBlack Vultures are generally silent but can produce a variety of hisses and grunts, especially when agitated or competing for food.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban, suburban, coastal, agricultural
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most of South America.
Identifying FeaturesAll-black plumage, Bare, dark gray to black head, White patches on the underside of primary flight feathers (visible in flight), Short, square tail, Soaring flight with shallow wing beats and a teetering motion, Often seen in groups
Description
The Black Vulture is a large, dark raptor with a bare, wrinkled black head and neck. It is a common scavenger, often seen soaring in thermals or perched on high structures, frequently in groups. They are known for their distinctive flight pattern with shallow wing beats and a teetering motion.
