How to Spot a Black Vulture

Black Vultures are aggressive, scavenging birds. Vultures are distinctive looking, but telling Black Vultures from other vultures can be tricky. Here's what to look for.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Understand the habitat and range of this scavenger. Black Vultures can be found in Texas and the southeastern United States, as well as in Mexico. They are often found in open fields, but they breed in thickets and woodlands.

2. Observe the Black Vulture's appearance. They have a black body and a dark gray head and neck. The neck and head of a Black Vulture are also wrinkled and featherless. Their wings are broad and rounded with large white patches at their tips. They have short, square tails and light gray legs and feet. Their bills are also light gray, hooked and thick. Female and male Black Vultures look similar.

3. Marvel at a Black Vulture's size. Black Vultures are very large birds, ranging from 24 to 27 inches in length. They have a wingspan between 54 and 60 inches. These birds weigh between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds.

4. Listen to the sounds made by the Black Vulture. These birds often remain quiet, but they can be heard making soft sounds including barks and hisses.

5. Watch this vulture in flight. Black Vultures soar and keep their wings flat during flight. They alternate rapid wing beats with short glides during flight.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't confuse a Black Vulture with a Turkey Vulture. Turkey Vultures have longer tails and longer wings than those of Black Vultures, and they also have red faces.
• Black Vultures are often seen in large groups.