Description:
The Black Vulture is entirely black, with
a black, featherless head and small, whitish
bill. In flight, the Black Vulture is easily
told from the Turkey Vulture by its short
wedge-shaped tail and white underwing patches.
The Black Vulture can measure up to 25 inches
in length. They are often found in large
numbers at carcasses, or roosting on a conspicuous
perch such as a dead tree or electrical
tower. Despite their smaller size, they
are more aggressive than Turkey Vultures
and will drive them away from dead animals.
Diet:
Black Vultures eat carrion (dead animals).
They will also congregate at garbage dumps
and will occasionally attack and kill newborn
or incapacitated animals.
Range/Habitat:
Black Vultures are found throughout much
of the United States, south of New York
State. They have recently been extending
their range north, and have become so numerous
in some areas that they are considered pests.
Black Vultures are also found throughout
Mexico, Central America, and much of South
America.
Nesting:
Female Black Vultures lay 2 to 3 eggs in
a hollow log or wooded area. They do not
build nests. Both parents, who regurgitate
food from their crops, feed the young. Black
Vultures also regurgitate food when they
are approached and, like all vultures, defecate
on their legs to keep cool.
