The American Black Vulture

The Black Vulture is a large bird measuring between 20 and 26 inches in length and has a wingspan of close to 5 feet. Its plumage is a glossy black, but its head is gray and featherless. Its legs are grayish-white and it has 2 long front toes. As with most vultures, the Black Vulture's feet are weak and its talons blunt. Awkward on the ground, it is more likely to hop than try to walk.

The Black Vulture is frequently seen in the warmer parts of the western hemisphere, it is rarely seen in the mountains and deserts. They occur in large numbers around towns and cities in tropical and subtropical areas, where garbage is readily available.

They prefer open areas interspersed with stands of trees or brush. They can also be found in moist lowland forests, grasslands, wetlands, and swamps.

The American Black Vulture's breeding season varies depending on the latitude at which they live. Black Vultures residing in the southern regions will start breeding as early as January but in the northern areas they rarely start before March.

Pairs are formed following a courtship ritual. Several males will circle a female with their wings spread, strutting about and bobbing their heads. When the courtship ritual takes to the air, they will dive and chase each other over nest sites.

Black Vultures do not build nests. The eggs are simply laid on the ground in a wooded area or cavity. A clutch usually consists of 1 to 3 grayish-green oval eggs. Both parents take a turn at incubating the eggs. After 28 to 41 days, the eggs hatch and the hatchlings emerge. They are covered with white down and remain in the nest for another two months while both parents continue to provide them with a delectable diet of regurgitated food.

The American Black Vulture is a scavenger and feed on carrion (the remains of dead animals), but it will also eat eggs or kill newborn animals. In populated areas it will also feed at garbage dumps and dumpsters. The Black Vulture has keen eyesight but usually finds its meal by smell. A carcass that has been dead for a few days is more likely to catch its attention than a fresh kill.

The American Black Vulture soars high while searching for food. It flaps its wings in short bursts followed by short periods of gliding.

They are a fairly common sight in our neighborhood. I'll see a flock of them circling almost every day,

The Black Vulture is largely silent due to the fact that it does not have a syrinx, a vocal organ. When annoyed it will hiss, but you have to be close to hear it.