Black Vulture
NameBlack Vulture
Common NameBlack Vulture
Scientific NameCoragyps atratus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)145
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)2300
Plumage DetailsEntirely black plumage, with a bare, dark gray, wrinkled head and neck. The underside of the primary flight feathers has distinctive white patches, which are most noticeable in flight.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but produces a variety of hisses and grunts, especially when disturbed or competing for food.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, forest, shrubland, urban, suburban
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 head, white patches on the underside of primary flight feathers (visible in flight), short tail, wobbly flight pattern
Description
The Black Vulture is a large, dark scavenger with a bare, wrinkled, dark gray head. It is often seen soaring high in the sky or perched on tall structures, exhibiting a distinctive wobbly flight pattern. This species is highly social, often roosting and feeding in large groups.
