Black Vulture
Image: Rick Nelson (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 has distinctive white patches, visible in flight.
Vocalization / CallGenerally silent, but can produce a variety of grunts, hisses, and snorts, especially when feeding or disturbed.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, forest edges, suburban areas, agricultural fields, 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, white patches on primary flight feathers (visible in flight), soaring flight with shallow wing beats
Description
The Black Vulture is a large, all-black scavenger with a bare, dark gray head and a short tail. It is often seen soaring in thermals or perched on trees and structures, searching for carrion.
