Description of the Black Vulture
BREEDING MALE
The Black Vulture has black plumage with pale wingtips that are visible in flight. It has a naked, grayish-black head. Length: 9 in. Wingspan: 21 in.
Photogrpahs Elaine Wilson and Greg Lavaty.
Female
Sexes similar.
Seasonal change in appearance
None.
Juvenile
Similar to adults but somewhat browner.
Habitat
A wide variety of open country.
Diet
Carrion.
Behavior
Forages by soaring and by watching for other vultures to descend to a feeding site.
Range
Resident from the southeastern U.S. south to South America. Populations appear to be increasing.
More information:
Bent Life History
Visit the Bent Life History for extensive additional information on the Black Vulture.
Wing Shape
The shape of a bird's wing is often an indication of its habits and behavior. Fast flying birds have long, pointed wings. Soaring birds have long, broad wings. Different songbirds will have a slightly different wing shape. Some species look so much alike (Empidonax flycatchers) that scientists sometimes use the length of specific feathers to confirm a species' identification.
Wing images from the University of Puget Sound, Slater Museum of Natural History
Fun Facts
Black Vultures often return to the same nest site year after year.
Black Vultures gather in large, communal roosts at which information is exchanged.
Vocalizations
Hissing noises are made if disturbed while nesting.
