Overview

The black vulture (Coragyps atratus), commonly called the American black vulture, is a scavenging bird in the New World vulture family. It is widespread in the Americas and is known for its glossy black plumage, bare dark head, and social behavior. For a general species summary see black vulture.

Identification and behavior

Adults are uniformly dark with a short tail and large wings; the undersides of the wing tips often show pale patches that are visible in flight. The head is unfeathered and grayish to black. In flight the black vulture has a stiffer wingbeat and shorter tail than the turkey vulture. Vocalizations are limited to low grunts and hisses; the species lacks a syrinx capable of complex song. Black vultures are highly social: they roost and feed communally and often defend carrion from other scavengers.

Range and habitat

This species ranges from the southeastern United States (southeast U.S.) through much of Central America and into South America as far south as Central Chile and Uruguay (Chile and Uruguay). It is common across much of that range but generally does not extend as far north or south as the turkey vulture, which breeds well into Canada and as far south as Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego). For contrast with the turkey vulture see turkey vulture.

Feeding and ecological role

Primarily a carrion eater, the black vulture locates food mostly by sight and by watching other scavengers. Unlike the turkey vulture, it has a comparatively poor sense of smell and often follows species that can detect hidden carcasses. Black vultures feed on roadkill, carcasses of wild and domestic animals, and occasionally take eggs or newborn livestock if the opportunity arises. As scavengers they play a key role in nutrient recycling and disease control.

Reproduction and lifespan

Breeding pairs nest in sheltered sites such as hollow trees, caves, rock outcrops, or abandoned structures. Nests are simple and not built with much material. A typical clutch contains one to three eggs; both parents care for the young until fledging. Individuals often live more than a decade in the wild and can survive considerably longer under protected conditions.

Conservation, conflicts, and distinctions

The black vulture is not currently threatened and is classed as a species of least concern in most assessments, though local conflicts arise when birds feed on livestock or gather near roads. They benefit ecosystems by consuming carrion but may be perceived as pests in some agricultural areas. Although it shares a common name and dark appearance with the Eurasian black vulture, the two are unrelated and belong to different lineages; the Eurasian species is much larger and occupies Old World habitats. Key identification differences with the nearby turkey vulture include head color (turkey vultures have red heads in adults), wing shape, and foraging strategy.