ExploreBird

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

The Black Vulture is a large bird with black feathers and a bald, wrinkled head. They help keep the environment clean by eating carrion, which is dead animals. You might see them soaring high in the sky!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Black Vulture is entirely covered in glossy black feathers with a short, greyish-black featherless head. Its broad wings have distinctive silvery-white patches on the underside of the primary flight feathers, making it look different from other vultures in flight.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderAccipitriformesFamilyCathartidaeGenusCoragyps

Black Vulture

Interesting facts

These birds are amazing natural recyclers, helping keep ecosystems clean and healthy.

They often spread their wings to 'sunbathe,' warming up and killing bacteria on their feathers.

Unlike their cousins, Black Vultures have a poor sense of smell and mostly find food by sight.

When threatened, Black Vultures can vomit a smelly meal to lighten their load and deter predators!

Special abilities

Black Vultures have incredibly strong stomach acid that kills dangerous bacteria from decaying food, keeping them healthy.

Black Vultures can spot small carcasses from high in the sky, helping them find meals efficiently.

Black Vultures often soar in groups, which helps them cover more ground and discover food quicker.

Measurements & details

Length: 58-74 cm
Wingspan: 133-160 cm
Weight: 1.6-2.2 kg
Lifespan: 10-25 years
Top Speed: 90 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-3
Incubation: 38-45 days

Diet & Feeding

These sharp-eyed birds are nature's clean-up crew, feasting mainly on dead animals!

Primary Foods

carrion
roadkill
eggs
small mammals

Foraging Method

Scavenging

Ecological connections

depends on

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

Follows for food, as Turkey Vultures smell better.

eats

Cattle

Bos taurus

Scavenges on dead livestock, especially calves.

eats

Virginia Opossum

Didelphis virginiana

Often scavenges roadkill and other carcasses.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Scavenger

Meet nature's clean-up crew! These important animals help keep the environment tidy by eating what other animals have left behind or things that have passed away.

Gliding

Watch as animals take a graceful leap and soar through the air without flapping their wings! They use special flaps of skin or body shapes to glide from one spot to another.