Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus

Compiled by Lisa S. Graham
Photo credit:  Francisco Dubón, Macaulay Library

The Black Vulture plays an important role in the ecosystem as a scavenger. When in flight, it’s often mistaken for its more common relative, the Turkey Vulture. When viewing up close, there’s no mistaking one for the other with the Turkey Vulture’s bright red head where the Black Vulture’s is black (as you would imagine).  The Black Vulture is primarily found in the southeastern regions of the United States, as well as parts of Central and South America. You’ll likely spot them in open fields, along highways, and in rural areas.  I’ve actually had them perching on the roof of my house in groups of four or five, which can be disconcerting (“why are they here??!”).

The Black Vulture is identifiable by its nearly all-black plumage and distinctive features. When they’re in flight, you can easily distinguish them from Turkey Vultures by the white feathers on their wingtips whereas the bottom side of the Turkey Vultures’ wings have much broader “silver linings.” Black Vultures have a stout body, a broad, square tail, and a relatively short, hooked beak well-suited for tearing into carcasses. Adult Black Vultures have a wingspan of about 5 feet and stand approximately 25 to 32 inches tall. Their heads range in color from gray to black and are featherless, which helps them stay clean while feeding on carrion.

Black Vultures thrive in a variety of habitats, both urban and rural. They are often seen soaring gracefully on thermal updrafts or gliding low over fields, searching for food. Unlike Turkey Vultures, which rely heavily on the sense of smell to locate carcasses, Black Vultures primarily use their keen eyesight and social behaviors to find food. When one vulture spots a potential meal, its companions often follow suit, leading to communal feasting.  Groups of vultures have different names depending on their activity.  When resting, they are a committee; when flying, they are a kettle; when feeding, they are a wake.

The breeding season for Black Vultures typically occurs in the spring. They prefer to nest in secluded locations such as cliffs, hollow trees, or abandoned buildings, where they can find shelter. Clutches usually consist of 2 to 3 eggs, which both parents incubate for about 28 to 40 days.

Once hatched, the chicks are covered in down and are dependent on their parents for food for several weeks. Black Vulture chicks are known to be particularly social as they grow, often remaining in family groups long after fledging.

The Black Vulture is an essential component of our natural world, often overlooked due to its scavenging lifestyle and sometimes misunderstood reputation. Their unique role as nature’s cleanup crew highlights the importance of preserving their habitats and understanding their ecological significance.

A couple of fun facts about black vultures:

• They defend themselves by vomiting – which is corrosive (and foul smelling). It also empties their stomachs which makes regaining flight easier. Maybe this fact isn’t so fun. 🙂
• They will imprint on and bond with humans if removed from their parents during a critical developmental period, forming a deep and affectionate social connection. When this happens, they can no longer be released into the wild, but they are happy as long as they are with their imprinted human.

Sources include All About Birds (Cornell) and Audubon Field Guide.