Coragyps atratus
The Black Vulture, *Coragyps atratus*, is a striking scavenger characterized by its entirely black plumage, including its bare, wrinkled, gray-black head and neck. It is a relatively large raptor, measuring 56-74 cm (22-29 inches) in length with a wingspan of 1.37-1.67 m (54-66 inches) and weighing 1.6-3 kg (3.5-6.6 lbs). A key field mark distinguishing it from the similar Turkey Vulture is its shorter tail, broader wings, and distinctive silvery-white patches at the base of the primary fligh...
Black Vultures thrive in open country, pastures, lowland forests, and increasingly in suburban and urban areas, typically found from sea level to moderate elevations.
Their diet consists almost exclusively of carrion, though they are opportunistic and will sometimes prey on very young, sick, or incapacitated animals.
Black Vultures are diurnal birds, often seen soaring high on thermals during the day and roosting communally in large groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, in tall trees or on man-made structures. They are primarily scavengers, locating carrion by sight, and are known to often follow the k...
The Black Vulture is a widespread resident across the Americas, primarily found from the southeastern United States, through Mexico, Central America, and most of South America, extending south to central Chile and Argentina. In North America, its breeding and year-round range has expanded signifi...
Least Concern
- Black Vultures practice 'urohidrosis,' defecating on their legs to cool themselves through evaporation. - Unlike Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures are known to kill small live prey, such as newborn calves or young turtles, when carrion is scarce. - They lack a syrinx, the avian vocal organ, which...