Black Vulture
Image: Dan Treadwell (cc-by-nc)
NameBlack Vulture
Common NameBlack Vulture
Scientific NameCoragyps atratus
FamilyCathartidae
Wingspan (cm)145
Length (cm)65
Weight (g)2300
Plumage DetailsAdults have entirely black body plumage. The head and neck are featherless and dark gray to black. The undersides of the primary flight feathers have distinctive silvery-white patches, which are conspicuous in flight.
Vocalization / CallBlack Vultures are generally silent, lacking a syrinx. They produce a limited range of sounds, primarily grunts and hisses, especially when agitated, competing for food, or at the nest.
Primary Dietcarnivore
Primary Habitatsopen country, pastures, lowlands, forests, urban areas, landfills
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most of South America, extending south to central Chile and Argentina.
Identifying Featuresall-black plumage, short tail, bare dark gray/black head, silvery-white patches on the underside of wingtips (primaries) visible in flight, short, broad wings, distinctive rocking flight
Description
The Black Vulture is a large New World vulture with entirely black plumage and a featherless, dark gray head. It is often seen soaring in thermals with its wings held in a slight dihedral, or perched on high structures. These social birds primarily feed on carrion.
