The Black Vulture is the more common vulture in the southeastern United States, while it is largely absent in most of the western and northern parts of the country. They are typically much more gregarious than Turkey Vultures, often found in large flocks, and dominating carcasses where the two species overlap, usually due to sheer numbers and aggressiveness. It is that aggressiveness that has caused it to be somewhat of a nuisance in areas, as they will sometimes attack and kill newly born livestock.
Habitat:
Usually requires a mix of open areas for hunting, and forested areas for roosting and nesting. Unlike Turkey Vultures, they typically avoid open water, and are not found on islands or offshore areas.
Diet:
Primarily feeds on carrion, but also will feed on eggs and young birds, and as mentioned previously, will sometimes attack in groups to kill newly born mammals, including livestock.
Behavior:
Forages by searching for food from a high gliding flight, with numerous wing flaps compared to some gliding birds.
Nesting:
Will nest in a wide variety of locations, but most commonly on the ground in brushy thickets or in large tree cavities. They will also sometimes use buildings or other man-made structures. The female usually lays a pair of eggs, and both parents help to incubate them. When the eggs hatch, both parents help feed the young by regurgitation. The young fledge after about 10 weeks, but typically remain near the parents for several months after fledging.
Interactive eBird Map:
Click to access an interactive eBird map of Black Vulture sightings
Song:
Black Vultures lack the capability for vocalization, other than grunts or hisses.
Migration:
Only somewhat migratory, with some northerly populations partially withdrawing to the south for the winter.
Similar Species:
Turkey Vulture. When perched or seen from below, the Turkey Vulture displays a red featherless head and silver-grey flight feathers along the entire trailing edge of the wing, whereas the Black Vulture has a dark grey head and white patches on the wingtips. The two species are most often seen high in flight, where these distinguishing plumage patterns may be difficult to see. In flight, the Turkey Vulture holds its wings in a strong V-shape and teeters unsteadily, while the Black Vulture holds its wings nearly flat and flies with a more stable, rapid flapping style.
Conservation Status:
Numbers and range seem to be increasing. The IUCN lists the Black Vulture as a species of "Least Concern".
Photo Information:
Photo taken on December 10th, 2012 - Everglades National Park in Florida - Terry Sohl
