One-on-one, a Black Vulture will be dominated by the larger Turkey Vulture. However, Black Vultures rarely travel alone and flocks of Black Vultures can quickly take over a carcass and drive away the more solitary Turkey Vultures.
ScientificName - Coragyps atratus (raven-vulture clothed in black) RANGE - Southeastern US, Mexico, Central America & South America.
The American Black Vulture plays a vital role in nature as "head housekeeper". By eating the dead, this vulture prevents the spread of disease. These birds have amazing stomachs and are able to digest diseased meat & rotting vegitation without getting sick. Although they eat mainly carion, they also scavenge at garbage dumps, eat decomposing plants, take eggs from nests, and can kill new-born birds & mammals. These birds on frequently forage in large groups. I have seen up to 200 out at Gallatin Steam Plant and there are always 50 - 60 roosting at Old Hickory Lake Dam. These large soaring birds of prey are glossy black with broad wings having white tips. They have a short tail and no feathers on their greyish head. These birds are found in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America. They are usually permanent residents. The female lays 2 or 3 eggs on the ground in a wooded area or a hollow log or some other cavity. Both parents will incubate and feed the young by regurgitating food. The Black Vulture does not have any natural predators but have become scarce in some areas due to lack of suitable nesting habitat. They are known to regurgitate when startled, besides being a sign of nervousness, this action assists in predator deterrence & flight (by decreasing takeoff weight). Usually silent, the Black Vulture can make soft hisses and barking sounds. A pair of black vultures may remain together and reuse the same nesting site for many years
