The black vulture (Coragyps atratus), also known as the American black vulture, Mexican vulture, zopilote, urubu, or gallinazo, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay in South America.

“Our” Black Vulture is also known as the American Black Vulture and Mexican Vulture, and in other languages, by names such as Zopilote (thief), Urubu, or Gallinazo (buzzard, vulture). The American Black Vulture can be identified by its all-black plumage, light gray legs, and a bald, grayish-black head and neck.

The Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is amongst the most abundant vultures of the New World, and out of all the members in the Cathartidae family, has the most varied diet. These are highly social birds that demonstrate fierce family loyalty.

Black Vultures are large raptors. In flight, they hold their broad, rounded wings flat and angled slightly forward. The tail is very short and rounded. They have small, bare heads and narrow but strongly hooked bills. Slightly smaller than a Turkey Vulture; slightly larger than a …

Abundant in the southeast, scarce in the southwest is this broad-winged scavenger. In low flight, it proceeds with several quick flaps followed by a flat-winged glide; when rising thermals provide good lift, it soars very high above the ground. Usually seen in flocks.

The black vulture ( Coragyps atratus ), also known as the American black vulture, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Central Chile and Uruguay in South America.

The Black Vulture inhabits much of the southeastern United States north to Pennsylvania and west to central Texas, with an isolated population in southern Arizona. This species also occurs from Mexico south to southern South America.

With sooty black plumage, a bare black head, and neat white stars under the wingtips, Black Vultures are almost dapper. Whereas Turkey Vultures are lanky birds with teetering flight, Black Vultures are compact birds with broad wings, short tails, and powerful wingbeats.

With a bright black belly, black back and black wings with white wing tips, it is easy to see how this vulture got its name. It has red eyes, a bald, grayish head with wrinkles that resemble those of a turkey, and pale grayish feet. The Black Vulture is by no means a solitary species.

The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is a scavenger bird native to the Americas, playing a crucial role in maintaining a clean and healthy ecosystem. You can find these fascinating birds in our Birds of the Americas exhibit.