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Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus ORDER: CICONIIFORMES FAMILY: CATHARTIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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Black Vulture Photo

© William L. Newton / CLO

The more southern of our two common vulture species, the Black Vulture flaps its wings rather frequently while it soars. It is more social than the Turkey Vulture, often traveling in large flocks.

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At a GlanceHelp

Measurements
Both Sexes
Length
23.6–26.8 in
60–68 cm
Wingspan
53.9–59.1 in
137–150 cm
Weight
56.4–77.6 oz
1600–2200 g
Other Names
  • Urubu noir (French)
  • Zopilote común (Spanish)

Cool Facts

  • One-on-one, a Black Vulture can be dominated by the slightly larger Turkey Vulture. But, Black Vultures rarely travel alone. Flocks of Black Vultures can quickly take over a carcass and drive the more solitary Turkey Vultures away.

Habitat


Open Woodland
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Food


Carrion
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Nesting

Nest Placement

Cliff
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Behavior


Soaring
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Conservation

status via IUCN

Least Concern
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Credits

  • Buckley, N. J. 1999. Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). In The Birds of North America, No. 411 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Birds of North America, Inc., Philadelphia, PA.
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