Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

Photo from The Raptor Pictures Page
Last updated 3/2/96
Black Vultures are not as common as Turkey Vultures, but they are still pretty easy to find. I think I can find one on just about any outing. On the UTC it is more common in wooded areas.

Black Vultures have white primaries (Turkey Vultures have white secondaries and primaries) and a black head. The tail is shorter and more triangle shaped. When soaring they hold their wings in less of a dihedral than Turkey Vultures. They also seem to flap a lot more.

Black Vultures tend to form really large roosts in the trees with a few Turkey Vultures mixed in. There is a large roost in Brazos Bend State Park near the interpetive center

A breeding range map is available form the Breeding Bird Survey
A winter range map is available from the Christmas Bird Count

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