Bocas Species Database

Habitat: The Black vulture can be abundant in open areas and forest borders. It is particularely numerous around towns and cities.   Distribution: This species has been reported from central United States to central Chile and southern Argentina.   Natural History Notes: The American Black Vulture is a scavenger and feeds on carrion, but will also eat eggs or kill newborn animals. In cities and nearby, it also feeds at garbage dumps. It finds its meals either by using its well developped eyesight or by following other vultures. Conservation status according to IUCN 2008 Red list: Least Concern (LC). It is a resident species.   Characteristics: The total length of this species varies between 61 cm and 69 cm (measured from tip of bill to end of tail). The plumage of this vulture species is entirely black. The bare neck and head are also black. In flight, we can distinguish however that there is a white patch at the base of the primaries. The feet are flat, relatively weak, and are poorly adapted to grasping