Black Vulture Photo Gallery

Adult

Large with broad wings, a short tail, and a small head. Entirely black except for silvery patches on the underside of the wingtips. Note splayed wingtips or "fingers" in flight.

Adult

Adult

Compact, almost all-black vulture with unfeathered black head and white flashes or "stars" in the wing.

Adult

Hefty black bird with an unfeathered head and a pale bill.

Adult

Feeds almost exclusively on carrion, locating it by soaring high in the skies on thermals.

Adult

Soars on flat wings. Note short tail. White "stars" in underwing can be hard to see at distance.

Adult

Perched birds are entirely black with a gray and unfeathered head.

Adult

Often roosts in stands of tall trees including sycamores, pines, hickories, oaks, junipers, and bald cypress.

Flock with Turkey Vultures

Roosts in large groups, sometimes with Turkey Vultures, which are slightly larger with red heads (at right of frame).

Adult

Often spreads its wings to cool down or warm up by exposing the underwings.

Habitat

Typically roosts in groups in wooded areas and soars above open areas looking for food. Congregates around carcasses.

Adult

May occur around towns and buildings, where it can be quite bold, investigating dumpsters and other possible food sources.