Black Vulture

The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a bird of prey also known as the American Black Vulture and Mexican vulture. The Black Vulture got its name for its almost entirely glossy black plumage. It also has a featherless greyish-black head and neck. The Black Vulture can be identified by its short tail and broad and short wings with white patches on the undersides of its wingtips. This bird measures between 56 and 74 cm (22 and 29 inches) in length. The wingspan of a Black Vulture is approximately 1.5 metres (4.9 feet).

Black Vultures are scavengers. They feed almost exclusively on carrion but can also occasionally prey on small animals. They are vital to the ecosystems they live in. They ‘clean up’ the environment by feeding on dead animals and preventing the spread of diseases.

Black Vultures are monogamous birds. They stay with their mates all year round for many years and maintain strong family bonds throughout their lives. Their social structure is quite rare among raptors.