The Black Vulture is a common sight in many places; it range is expanding rapidly northward. It is now found in Mexico and the southern United States, especially the southeast, where it is expanding rapidly to the northeast. It is also found throughout Central America and South America.
All Black Vultures, whether juvenile or adult, have black heads. The plumage is black to very dark brown, with the occasional brownish coloration. The end of the underside of wing is white. Juveniles appear similar to the adults; the only visible difference is that the juvenile's head has less wrinkles than the adult's.
The Black Vulture does not build a nest, but lays its eggs on the ground in a dark and secluded space. 1-3 eggs are laid, greenish gray to bluish-white, spotted somewhat with brown. Usually one egg is more heavily marked than the other. The eggs are incubated by both parents for 37 to 41 days. The young will fly in 75-80 days, and the young may remain with the parents for as long as 6 months after flying. Pair bonds usually last for extended periods of time, or for life.
Black Vultures are more dependant upon carrion than Turkey Vultures; they are also more social, and may gather in groups nearing 1,000 or over, if not disturbed. The Black Vulture depends more on sight than the Turkey Vulture, as it soars higher than the Turkey Vulture in search of food. It may also follow a Turkey Vulture to carrion. Also it is more aggressive; when trapped it will struggle and even bite the captor, and in large groups it may take a carcass from a Turkey Vulture. When the Black Vulture dies, it is not eaten by other scavengers.
The Black Vulture may survey wooded areas but it usually finds and eats food in more open areas, and in the United States, tend to prefer coastlands.
