Black Vulture

Description:

With sooty black plumage, a bare black head, and neat white stars under the wingtips, Black Vultures are almost dapper. Whereas Turkey Vultures are lanky birds with teetering flight, Black Vultures are compact birds with broad wings, short tails, and powerful wingbeats. The two species often associate: the Black Vulture makes up for its poor sense of smell by following Turkey Vultures to carcasses. Highly social birds with fierce family loyalty, Black Vultures share food with relatives, feeding young for months after they’ve fledged.

Habitat:

Look for Black Vultures in open areas within forested landscapes. They typically nest and roost in wooded areas and soar above open areas to seek their food. Black Vultures have substantially increased their range northward in recent decades.