American Black Vulture

With sooty black plumage, a bare black head, and neat white stars under the wingtips, the American black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is almost dapper. Whereas Turkey Vultures are lanky birds with teetering flight, American Black Vultures are compact birds with broad wings, short tails, and powerful wingbeats. The two species often associate: the American Black Vulture makes up for its poor sense of smell by following Turkey Vultures to carcasses. Highly social birds with fierce family loyalty, American Black Vultures share food with relatives, feeding young for months after they’ve fledged.