Amazon Animals

 
Amazon River Dolphin
Black Caiman
Black Vulture
Blue and Yellow Macaw
Blue Morpho
Boa Constrictor
Brazilian Tapir
Capybara
Common Snapping Turtle
Great Egret
Green Anaconda
Green Iguana
Harpy Eagle
Howler Monkey
Hyacinth Macaw
Jaguar
Keel-billed Toucan
Leafcutter Ant
Ocelot
Piranha
Red-eyed Tree Frog
Scarlet Ibis
Scarlet Macaw
Three-toed Sloth

Black Vulture

Description

The Black Vulture is entirely black, with a black, featherless head and small, whitish bill. In flight, the Black Vulture is easily told from the Turkey Vulture by its short wedge-shaped tail and white underwing patches. The Black Vulture can measure up to 25 inches in length. They are often found in large numbers at carcasses, or roosting on a conspicuous perch such as a dead tree or electrical tower. Despite their smaller size, they are more aggressive than Turkey Vultures and will drive them away from dead animals.

Diet

 
Black Vultures eat carrion (dead animals). They will also congregate at garbage dumps and will occasionally attack and kill newborn or incapacitated animals.
 

Habitat and Range

 
Black Vultures are found throughout much of the United States, south of New York State. They have recently been extending their range north, and have become so numerous in some areas that they are considered pests. Black Vultures are also found throughout Mexico, Central America, and much of South America.
 

Breeding

 
Female Black Vultures lay 2 to 3 eggs in a hollow log or wooded area. They do not build nests. Both parents, who regurgitate food from their crops, feed the young. Black Vultures also regurgitate food when they are approached and, like all vultures, defecate on their legs to keep cool.
 

Status

 
Populations of Black Vultures are stable and increasing in most areas.