How to identify the Black Vulture

To correctly identify the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

56-74 cm (22-29 in)

Wingspan

133-160 cm (52-63 in)

Weight

1.6-3.0 kg (3.5-6.6 lbs)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults are entirely black, with a glossy sheen on the upperparts. The underside of the primary flight feathers has distinctive white patches, visible in flight. Juveniles are similar but may have a slightly paler head.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Hooked, relatively short and stout, dark gray to black.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Grayish-white to pale gray, often stained with uric acid (urohidrosis).

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Featherless, wrinkled, dark gray head and neck; short, square-tipped tail; white patches at the base of the primary flight feathers (wingtips) visible from below in flight; heavy, powerful build.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Similar to adults, but the head may appear slightly less wrinkled and a bit paler gray. The white wing patches are present from a young age.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   None; sexes are monomorphic in plumage and size.

Key field marks

• Plumage. Look for an entirely black body and wings. The head is featherless and dark gray/black.
• Head. The dark, featherless head is a key feature, distinguishing it from the red-headed adult Turkey Vulture.
• Tail. Observe the short, square-tipped tail, which barely extends beyond the trailing edge of the wings in flight.
• Underwing Pattern. In flight, look for prominent white patches at the base of the primary flight feathers (wingtips), contrasting sharply with the otherwise dark underwing.
• Flight Style. Note the relatively flat wing profile (or very shallow dihedral) and more frequent, shallow wing beats compared to the teetering, deep-dihedral flight of the Turkey Vulture.
• Behavior. Often seen in groups, especially at carcasses or roosts. They are more aggressive at food sources than Turkey Vultures.

Explore the Black Vulture