American Black vulture

Description:

Black vultures are abundant in the southeast United States, preferring tropical and warm temperate climates. It is a large bird with a hooked beak. Its body is black and its head is dark grey and featherless. Black vultures are social birds that travel in large flocks. They typically breed and roost in dense woodland while feeding in open areas. They soar high in the sky, catching a ride on thermals in order to save energy, stay in the air longer, and keep scanning for food below. When black vultures spot a carcass, they often descend as a group and drive off solitary turkey vultures. In addition to carrion, black vultures scavenge fish, vegetable material, and dung and sometimes take live prey.

Habitat:

There was a large group of these black vultures at the Moss Bluff Lock and Spillway, Ocklawaha, Florida.