What does the Black Vulture eat?

The Black Vulture's diet shapes where and when you'll find it. Understanding what it eats helps you predict where to look.

Diet overview

Carnivore (primarily carrion, but also preys on small, vulnerable animals and consumes eggs and young birds)

How it forages

Primarily a scavenger, feeding on a wide variety of carrion. Often seen at roadkill, landfills, and slaughterhouses. Unlike Turkey Vultures, they have a poor sense of smell and often follow Turkey Vultures or other Black Vultures to food sources. They can be aggressive at carcasses, often displacing Turkey Vultures. They will also opportunistically prey on vulnerable live animals, such as newborn livestock, eggs, and young birds.

When it feeds

Diurnal.

Explore the Black Vulture