Project Description
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Range/Geographical Distribution: Texas and Arkansas north and east to New Jersey and south to Florida.
Habitat: Open country but breeds in woodlands.
Similar Species: Turkey vulture.
Description: A large, black bird with silver patches near each wing tip. It has a bare grayish head and gray legs.
Size: Length: 23-27” Wingspan: 54-59” Weight: 1600-2400g
Food: Carrion as well as fish, vegetation, and dung. Black vultures have been know to attack small live prey, or if the vultures are in a group, larger live prey.
Breeding: Black vultures lay two white or gray/green eggs under a bush, in a hollow log, in a cave, or under large rocks. Both parents help incubate the eggs.
Predators: Very few predators.
Conservation Status: Listed as least concern by IUCN. Black vultures are the most abundant vulture in the Western Hemisphere.
Interesting Facts: Families of black vultures stay together for up to a year.
On the Coast: Black vultures help keep Georgia’s coast clear of excessive carrion and can be seen in groups feeding on carrion or soaring on air currents.