Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a common new world vultur found in 31 countries, weighing about 1.9 kg. The black vulture, also known as the American black vulture, Mexican vulture, zopilote, urubu, or gallinazo, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay in South America, and common throughout Brazil where it can be seen in large scavenging groups.
About the Black Vulture
The black vulture, also known as the American black vulture, Mexican vulture, zopilote, urubu, or gallinazo, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay in South America, and common throughout Brazil where it can be seen in large scavenging groups. Although a common and widespread species, it has a somewhat more restricted distribution than its compatriot, the turkey vulture, which breeds well into Canada and all the way south to Tierra del Fuego. It is the only extant member of the genus Coragyps, which is in the family Cathartidae. Despite the similar name and appearance, this species is not closely…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The black vulture is a fairly large scavenger, measuring 56–74 cm (22–29 in) in length, with a 1.33–1.67 m (52–66 in) wingspan. Weight for black vultures from North America and the Andes ranges from 1.6 to 3 kg (3.5 to 6.6 lb) but in the smaller vultures of the tropical lowlands it is 1.18–1.94 kg (2.6–4.3 lb). Fifty vultures in Texas were found to average 2.15 kg (4.7 lb) while 119 birds in Venezuela were found to average 1.64 kg (3.6 lb). The extended wing bone measures 38.6–45 cm (15.2–17.7 in), the shortish tail measures 16–21 cm (6.3–8.3 in) and the relatively long tarsus measures 7–8.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in India.
When to see it
The Black Vulture can be seen all year round, with peak activity in April. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Black Vulture?
- The black vulture is a fairly large scavenger, measuring 56–74 cm (22–29 in) in length, with a 1.33–1.67 m (52–66 in) wingspan. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Black Vulture?
- The Black Vulture is a huge sized bird weighing about 1.9 kg.
- Where can you see a Black Vulture?
- The Black Vulture occurs in 31 countries, including the United States, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico.
- What birds look similar to a Black Vulture?
- The Black Vulture is most easily confused with the Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, the King Vulture and the Andean Condor.
- Is the Black Vulture endangered?
- The Black Vulture is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Black Vulture for real
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