The Black Vulture, primarily a southern species in North America, is a large, dark raptor, that is widely distributed throughout tropical and southern temperate regions. Its plumage is black all over. It is a stout, bulky-looking vulture with prominent white patches on its wingtips. Its head and throat are featherless, except for some down and a few bristles. The head appears small, but a short neck is apparent, unlike the Turkey Vulture. Its head, throat, and beak are dark gray and its eye is dark brown. Sexes are similar in size and appearance.
The Black Vulture is not a graceful flier. When taking off from the ground it usually runs along, then hops two or three times before getting airborne. It flaps its wings much more than the Turkey Vulture, in characteristic bursts of three to five jerky flaps followed by gliding. It can also lift off directly from tree perches, cliffs, or when surprised on the ground. Because its wings are shorter and stouter than the Turkey Vulture, and its tail is short, it requires strong thermals to soar efficiently. It tends to soar at higher altitudes than the Turkey Vulture. When gliding it holds its wings level or in slight, shallow dihedral. In flight its toes may protrude beyond the tail.
SIZE
The Black Vulture is slightly smaller, but heavier, than the Turkey Vulture, and about half the size of an eagle. Males and females are similar in size. Body lengths average 25 inches (65 centimeters). Wingspans average 59 inches (151 centimeters). Weights average 4.4 pounds (2 kilograms). Large birds can reach weights of 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms).
MORPHS
There is no individual variation in plumage although partial and nearly full albinos have been reported. In the field, all birds appear identical.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION
Adult - Flight
- shorter, broader wings than Turkey Vulture
- feet reach tip of short, black tail
- white patch at the tips of each wing in primaries are diagnostic except for regions inhabited by the Crested Caracara
- holds wings in flat or in a shallow "V" or dihedral position
- wing beats are quick and choppy followed by a short glide
Immature - Flight
- similar to adult in shape, size, and movement
- darker head and neck than adult close-up
- white patch in primary feathers
SIMILAR SPECIES
The Black Vulture can be confused with other large, dark raptors that soar. The similar Turkey Vulture has a red, rather than black head (although juvenile Turkey Vultures have dark heads). In flight, the Turkey Vulture has longer wings, with silvery flight feathers contrasting with a black body and front of the wing compared to the Black Vulture's shorter wings, stouter profile, and white flight feathers at the wingtip only. Also the Black Vulture does not rock in flight like the Turkey Vulture. In flight, it can be confused with eagles because it holds its wings fairly straight, but it is only half their size, has a very stubby tail, and flaps its wings with choppy, almost frantic wingbeats rather than steady powerful strokes. It can be separated from hawks, eagles, and ravens by the shallow dihedral (V-shape) position of the wings, and the lack of sustained and strong wingbeats.
OTHER NAMES
Often referred to as buzzard.
ETYMOLOGY
The Genus Coragyps comes from the Greek word korax, the raven; and gyps, the vulture. The Latin species name atratus translates into "a vulture clothed in black as for mourning"; a very descriptive name.
MYTHOLOGY
In the southeastern United States, several stories involving vultures are part of local folklore. If you see a vulture's shadow, but do not see the bird, then an unexpected visitor will arrive. If a vulture flies over your house at noon, then a member of your family will die at four in the afternoon. Other people believed that if a vulture flew over your house you would get a letter or hear good news. If you saw a vulture on the ground you should make a wish, if it flapped its wings the wish would come true, if it did not then the wish would not come true. Wearing a vulture feather behind the ear is thought to prevent rheumatism.
