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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus ORDER: ACCIPITRIFORMES FAMILY: CATHARTIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

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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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Appearance

Hawklike
Hawklike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Large soaring bird.
  • Broad wings with large whitish patch at tip.
  • Short, square tail. Body black.
  • Dark gray head unfeathered and wrinkled.
  • Frequently flaps while soaring.

Immature Description

Similar to adult, but head darker and without wrinkled skin.

Range Map Help

Black Vulture Range Map
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Field MarksHelp

  • Adults
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    Black Vulture

    Adults
    • © William L. Newton / CLO

Similar Species

  • Turkey Vulture has silvery area along the length of the wings, has longer wings, a longer tail, a red head (in adults), soars with wings held up in a V, and flaps very infrequently.