American Black Vulture

Description:

L 25" W 57" Small, partially unfeathered head w/hooked bill. Sooty, black plumage. Legs and feet pale gray. Shows large white patches at base of primaries in flight.

Habitat:

Common in country & near human settlement (scavengers).

Notes:

These birds showed no fear of people. The first two were shot at Myakka River State Park, my husband and I were able to approach these birds to as close as 5ft! The third image was taken in Hardee County Florida at an animal refuge. Example of "scavenging"- many black vultures were waiting for the resident animals to leave some crumbs behind. Description obtained through personal copy of "National Geographic Field Guide to Birds-Florida"