Overview
Black Vulture: Large raptor, black overall, short, featherless neck, pale bill, short and squared tail, long, pale gray legs and feet. Gray-black skin on head and neck is wrinkled. White-tipped wings, held horizontal in flight. Soars on thermals, must flap its wings more often than a Turkey Vulture.
Range and Habitat
Black Vulture: Resident in southeastern U.S. and Texas, south to the tropics; preferred habitats include open country, but breeds in woodlands and thickets.
Topo Map:
Hawk-like Body
Listen to Call
Voice Text
Generally silent
Interesting Facts
The Black Vulture’s scientific name comes from korax, the Greek word for raven; gyps, which means vulture; and from the Latin word atratus, meaning to be clothed in black, as in mourning. The common name, Vulture, comes from the Latin vulturus meaning “tearer.”
Unlike Turkey Vultures, this species depends upon its vision to find food.
A lone bird is no match for the slightly larger Turkey Vulture. But they are commonly found in flocks which can easily drive away the more solitary Turkey Vulture.
A group of vultures has many collective nouns, including a "cast", "committee", "meal", "vortex", and "wake" of vultures.
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Artist
Yury Lisyak
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