Black Vulture
| Coragyps atratus |
Order CICONIIFORMES - Family CATHARTIDAE |
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- Description
- Sound
- Other Names
- Cool Facts
- Full detailed species account
The more southern of our two common vulture species, the Black Vulture flaps its wings rather frequently while it soars. It is more social than the Turkey Vulture, often traveling in large flocks.
Description
- Large soaring bird.
- Broad wings with large whitish patch at tip.
- Short, square tail. Body black.
- Dark gray head unfeathered and wrinkled.
- Frequently flaps while soaring.
- Size: 60-68 cm (24-27 in)
- Wingspan: 137-150 cm (54-59 in)
- Weight: 1600-2200 g (56.48-77.66 ounces)
Sex Differences
Sexes look alike.
Sound
Usually silent. Can make soft hisses and barks.
»listen to songs of this species
Other Names
Urubu noir (French)
Zopilote común (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- One-on-one, a Black Vulture can be dominated by the slightly larger Turkey Vulture. But, Black Vultures rarely travel alone. Flocks of Black Vultures can quickly take over a carcass and drive the more solitary Turkey Vultures away.
Sources used to construct this page:
Buckley, N. J. 1999. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). In The Birds of North America, No. 411 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
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