Black Vulture
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae Genus: Coragyps
Species: Coragyps atratus
Often seen soaring overhead, the Black Vulture is common enough to be seen every day. In the morning, many perch on the tops of streetlights or tall buildings and sometimes stretch out their wings to catch the rays of the sun. Later in the day, they circle around in the sky and can easily be identified by their silhouette and black color with white wing patches. Essentially, if it is big, black, and is flying high in the sky, it is most likely a Black Vulture. This species is very social, and family members share food with each other, especially with the young. Black Vultures stay with the same mate for years, and the pair generally lays two eggs per clutch. While the Black Vulture lacks the sophisticated sense of smell that Turkey Vultures have, it simply follows the Turkey Vulture around and feasts off of the other’s newfound meal. Because it lacks a syrinx- a bird’s vocal organ- its vocal communication is restricted to grunts and raspy hisses.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Dark brown plumage with a black, unfeathered head; in flight, outer wings have silvery patches
Length: 24 inches
Wingspan: 60 inches
Diet: A wide variety of carrion, usually relatively fresh carcasses; rarely kills prey itself
Habitat: All habitats; usually seen overhead alone or in flocks
Season: All year
Credit source: Cornell Lab of Ornithology
