Black Vulture
Image: Aver (cc-by-nc)
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, wrinkled, dark gray head and neck. The underside of the primary flight feathers (wingtips) has distinctive white patches, which are most noticeable in flight.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a variety of hisses and grunts, especially when disturbed or competing for food.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, pastures, urban areas, suburban areas, landfills, forest edges, coastal regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread throughout the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most of South America.
Identifying Featuresbare black head, all-black body plumage, white patches on primary flight feathers (underside of wingtips) visible in flight, short tail, soaring flight with shallow wing beats and short glides, wings held in a slight dihedral during flight
Description
The Black Vulture is a large, dark scavenger with a bare, gray-black head and a short, hooked bill. They are often seen soaring in groups, holding their wings in a slight dihedral, or perched on high structures like power lines, scanning for carrion.
