Common name: BUZZARD
Scientific name: Coragyps atratus
Identifying characteristics:
The smaller of the two types of vultures in our area, the black vulture is about 22 inches long, and weighs between 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 pounds. He is entirely matte black, including the bare skin on the head and neck, except for the underside of the primaries, which are white. These form a distinct pattern when observed in flight. The tail is very short and looks cut straight across.
Range:
It ranges south from Washington state, across southern Ohio to southern Arizona, and as far as Mexico. It also extends through Central American as far as central Patagonia.
Habitat:
The Black Vulture prefers semi-open and wooded country, with a strong attraction to human habitation with easy pickings of refuse and offal.
Nesting:
No nest is built. The birds select a cave, a low hollow tree or stump, or a hollow beneath rocks or scrubby brush. They lay two eggs.
Feeding habits:
The species' main diet is carrion, but occasionally it will also kill young animals. They do not have as keen a sense of smell as Turkey Vultures, but are attracted to food discovered by the latter. Conservation status: Thriving and range is expanding.
