Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Animalia

Abundance: Common

Habitat: Forest, Grassland

Activity: Diurnal (Active during day)

A large bird of prey with glossy black feathers, broad wings with white tips, and a featherless grey head. The black vulture is a scavenger that feeds on weak, sick, or unprotected animals and can often be seen at garbage dumps. They do not have the keen sense of smell that Turkey Vultures do, causing them to often rely on the Turkey Vulture to find their prey. The Black Vulture is smaller but more aggressive than the Turkey Vulture, often driving them away from a carcass.

Diet

Mostly carrion

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Kingdom: Animalia

→

Phylum: Chordata

→

Class: Aves

→

Order: Cathartiformes

→

Family: Cathartidae

→

Genus: Coragyps

→

Species: Coragyps atratus

Scientific Name

Coragyps atratus

Breeding Season

Starting in January

Behavior

The black vulture soars high while searching for food, holding its wings horizontally when gliding. It flaps in short bursts, followed by short periods of gliding. Its flight is less efficient than that of other vultures, as the wings are not as long, forming a smaller wing area. In comparison with the turkey vulture, the black vulture flaps its wings more frequently during flight. It is known to regurgitate when approached or disturbed, which assists in predator deterrence and taking flight by decreasing its takeoff weight. Black Vultures are monogamous, staying with their mates for many years, all year round.

Ecological Role

The Black Vulture effectively scavenges carrion such as road kill to recycle the dead animal matter from the landscape.

Activity Pattern

Diurnal (Active during day)

Habitat Types

Forest

Grassland

Geographic Distribution

Its range includes the mid-Atlantic States, the southernmost regions of the Midwestern United States, the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and most of South America.

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
Support habitat conservation efforts
Follow guidelines when observing wildlife

Additional Notes

The black vulture receives special legal protections under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 in the United States,[64] by the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Canada,[65] and by the Convention for the Protection of Migratory Birds and Game Mammals in Mexico.[65] In the United States it is illegal to take, kill, or possess black vultures without a permit and violation of the law is punishable by a fine of up to US$15,000 and imprisonment of up to six months.

Contribute Your Observations

Have you spotted this species? Your observations help us track populations and understand behavior patterns.

Submit an Observation

Video

Watch Video