American Black Vulture

Body is covered in glossy black feathers. The head and upper neck are bare, with dark grey or black wrinkled skin. Underwings show distinctive white patches near the wingtips. Sexes are visually identical, and juveniles look very similar to adults with slightly duller plumage.

All-black plumage, bare dark head, short square tail, and bright white patches underneath the outer primaries (wingtips) visible in flight.

Length: 56–74 cm (22–29 in); Wingspan: 130–145 cm (51–57 in); Weight: 1.6–2.7 kg (3.5–6.0 lbs).

Lacks a fully developed syrinx and is mostly silent, but can produce low grunts, hisses, or croaking sounds when threatened or fighting for food.

Primarily carrion (animal carcasses), but they are opportunistic and occasionally eat small vertebrates, eggs, and plant matter. They forage by soaring and watching other scavengers.

Open and semi-open habitats, including pastures, farmlands, grasslands, and lowland forests, often near human settlements and rubbish dumps.

Generally a permanent resident, though northernmost populations in the US may move slightly southward during severe winters.

Does not build a traditional nest; instead, lays eggs directly on the ground in hollow logs, caves, crevices, or abandoned buildings. Clutch size is typically 2 eggs, incubated by both parents.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura), which is larger, has a red head, longer tail, lacks the white wingtip patches, and relies more heavily on a keen sense of smell.

Acts as a vital natural scavenger by consuming carrion, which helps control the spread of diseases and cleans up the environment.

Least Concern (population is stable or increasing).

Look for them soaring high in thermals alongside other vultures or perched on tall trees, communication towers, or rooftops in open country near human habitation.

Unlike Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures have a poor sense of smell and often follow Turkey Vultures to find food sources. They urinate on their own legs to cool down in hot weather, a process called urohidrosis.