Black Vulture

The black vulture is a New World vulture species widely distributed across the Americas, noted for its ecological role as a scavenger and its distinctive appearance. Although common and adaptable, its range is more limited than that of the turkey vulture, extending from the southeastern United States through much of Central America and into parts of South America, including Peru, central Chile, and Uruguay. As the sole species within the genus Coragyps, it occupies an important place within the family Cathartidae, which comprises the New World vultures.

Taxonomic Background

The species was formally described in 1793 by the German ornithologist Johann Matthäus Bechstein, who adopted a previously informal name used by the American naturalist William Bartram. Bartram’s description was not accepted for nomenclatural purposes, as his work did not consistently employ binomial classification. The genus Coragyps was established in the mid-nineteenth century, drawing on Classical Greek roots meaning “raven-vulture”, and subsequently became the accepted scientific designation.
The black vulture is a monotypic representative of its genus, though regional variations have at times led to proposed subspecies. Historically, three forms were described: C. a. atratus in North America, C. a. foetens in the Andes, and C. a. brasiliensis in South America. Some early taxonomists considered these to be distinct, but modern treatments typically regard the species as a single taxon with geographical variation. Phylogenetic studies place the black vulture as the earliest diverging lineage among New World vultures, branching off from a group that later produced the turkey vulture and the yellow-headed vultures.

Evolutionary Context

Fossil evidence indicates that a prehistoric relative, Coragyps occidentalis, occupied much of the species’ present range during the Pleistocene. This extinct form was larger and more robust, adaptations that likely supported its survival in high-altitude or colder environments. Genetic analyses conducted in the early twenty-first century suggest that C. occidentalis evolved from modern black vultures roughly 400,000 years ago, diverging as it colonised mountainous regions. Archaeological finds also indicate that early human populations may have interacted with the species, as subfossil remains have been recovered from ancient midden sites.
On Cuba, another Pleistocene species, Coragyps seductus, has been identified from fossil deposits, expanding the known evolutionary history of the genus. Size variation between prehistoric and modern birds is considerable, complicating the allocation of fossil specimens without genetic or stratigraphic context.

Physical Characteristics

The black vulture is medium-sized for a vulture, with adults measuring approximately 56–74 cm in length. Its wingspan may exceed 1.5 metres, though this remains modest compared to many large raptors. Body mass varies significantly depending on geography. Individuals from the Andes and North America tend to be heavier, while those inhabiting tropical lowlands are generally lighter. Average masses recorded in study populations range from under 2 kg in some tropical regions to well over 2.5 kg elsewhere.
The plumage is uniformly glossy black, a trait that assists in heat absorption and maintenance of cleanliness. The head and neck are bare and dark grey, features that reduce contamination when feeding on carrion. The beak is short and hooked, specialised for tearing flesh. Wing structure is broad but relatively short, and the primary feathers exhibit a distinctive white patch visible when the bird is soaring. The tail is notably short and square in outline.
Other anatomical details include brown irises, sparse eyelashes, greyish-white legs, and partially webbed front toes. The nostrils are perforate, allowing a view through the beak from one side to the other. Occasional leucistic individuals have been recorded, displaying pale plumage but retaining normally pigmented skin.

Distribution and Habitat

The species occupies a broad range across Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It prefers open or semi-open landscapes where carcasses can be easily located, including savannas, scrubland, chaparral, and forest edges. It also frequents wetlands such as the Pantanal and agricultural areas where livestock mortality provides an accessible food supply. Human-altered environments, including rubbish disposal sites, provide supplementary resources for populations living near settlements.
Although primarily associated with lowland habitats, some populations occur in montane regions, particularly in Central and South America. Its adaptability enables it to persist across diverse climatic zones, from humid forests to arid open country.

Behaviour and Ecology

Black vultures are highly efficient scavengers. Their diet consists mainly of carrion, though they may opportunistically consume small vertebrates or weakened animals. While typically reliant on sight for locating food, they often follow turkey vultures, which possess a more acute sense of smell. This behavioural association allows them to exploit carcasses they might not otherwise detect.
Lacking a developed syrinx, the black vulture is incapable of traditional bird vocalisations and instead produces grunts and hisses. Its flight pattern is characterised by broad, steady soaring with wings held level, unlike the dihedral wing posture of the turkey vulture.
Roosting usually occurs communally, often in trees near feeding sites. Nesting sites vary and include caves, cliff crevices, hollow trees, or even open ground in predator-free areas. The clutch commonly consists of two eggs. Both parents participate in incubation and chick care, feeding their young through regurgitation. The regurgitated substance, often termed crop milk, is produced from the crop and serves as an early food source.
Black vultures are protected in the United States under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. They also hold cultural significance, appearing in early Mesoamerican manuscripts such as Mayan codices.

Significance and Human Interactions

Black vultures play a vital ecological role by removing carrion, thus reducing the spread of disease and contributing to nutrient cycling. Their presence near human settlements can be both beneficial and problematic; while they assist in waste removal, they may occasionally prey on vulnerable livestock or cause damage to structures when communal roosts form.
The species is culturally embedded in the Americas, appearing in traditional stories, early scientific works, and artistic depictions such as Audubon’s The Birds of America. Their ecological importance continues to make them a focus of conservation interest, particularly in regions where habitat alteration or human conflict threatens local populations.