Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus

Identification: A large black bird, 22-24", long often seen soaring in groups with Turkey Vultures. The Black Vulture holds its wings straight while the Turkey Vulture's wings are held in a shallow "V" while soaring. There are conspicuous white patches on the outer third of the wings and the black head is bare. Immature birds have gray-black heads. The Black Vulture flaps its wings more often and more rapidly than the Turkey Vulture and its tail is much shorter and more fanned out.

Range and Habitat: Black Vultures occur commonly throughout Florida, where they soar above open land, including agricultural areas, pastures and roadsides searching the ground below for carrion. They roost in open woodlands.

Reproduction: These birds deposit eggs on the ground under cover, in a hollow tree trunk or cave, or beneath palmetto thickets. No nests are built. They usually lay two eggs, which are incubated by both sexes for about 40 days. The Black Vulture's eggs are white or gray-green, blotched with brown. They young are fed regurgitated food by both parents. Age at first flight is between eight and ten weeks.

Diet: Black Vultures are scavengers eating carrion (dead animals). Black Vultures are more aggressive than Turkey Vultures and may take small animals alive and often will drive the Turkey Vultures away from a carcass.

Remarks: Vultures are protected by state and federal laws. The harassment these birds receive is unjustified. Vultures serve a useful purpose as flying garbage disposals. Black Vultures often tag behind Turkey Vultures, relying on their cousin's better sense of smell to help find food. Since vultures usually do not hunt, they have weaker legs and feet and duller talons and beaks than other raptors. Vultures are voiceless and can utter only weak hissing sounds.

Legend has it that in the earliest of times the sun lived very close to the earth making it almost unbearable. The vulture was the most beautiful and powerful of birds-its head covered with rich feathers that all other birds envied. Knowing that the earth would burn up unless someone moved the sun, the vulture placed its head against the sun and began to fly toward the heavens. With powerful strokes of its mighty wings, it pushed the sun further and further away from the earth. Though it could feel it crown feathers burning, the vulture continued until the sun was high up in the heavens. The earth was safe, but unfortunately, the vulture lost its magnificent head of feathers for all eternity.