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.
Forest, Grassland
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.
Common
Diurnal
Mostly carrion
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.
The Black Vulture effectively scavenges carrion such as road kill to recycle the dead animal matter from the landscape.
Least Concern
