Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Natural Habitat
Open country, woodlands, and urban areas. They often roost in large communal groups.
Where I'm Found
Found throughout the Americas. Their range extends from the southeastern United States, through Central America, and covers most of South America down to central Chile.
Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
What I Eat
Scavengers (Carrion feeders).
- Wild: Carcasses of dead animals, eggs, and occasionally newborn mammals.
- Zoo: Rats, chicks, and meat diets.
How Long I Live
- Wild: 10 years
- Captivity: 20+ years
Fun Facts
- Sight Hunters: Unlike Turkey Vultures which hunt by smell, Black Vultures hunt almost exclusively by sight.
- Urohidrosis: They defecate on their own legs to cool off through evaporation and to kill bacteria with their acidic waste.
- Family Bonds: They maintain strong social bonds with their kin and will share food with relatives.
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