adult (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)


Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus

Native Range: North America and Latin America

Notes: no sexual dimorphism; a carrion feeder that finds its "prey" by sight more so than by smell; soars on rising thermals during the heat of the day; featherless head serves a hygenic function because any feathers otherwise would be soiled by rotting carcasses upon which that the bird feeds.


pair, with on member sunbathing (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)

in flight shows white "windows" near tip of wing (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)

featherless black head (Florida, USA; 2007-12-21)
posing for a head portrait (Florida, USA; 2008-01-08)
posing for a head portrait (Panama; 2008-06-25) note the short rounded tail and labored flight (Florida; 2012-12-21)
a kettle of birds soaring in a thermal updraft (Florida; 2012-12-21) posing for a body portrait (Florida; 2012-12-21)