Black Vulture

The Black Vulture is a large raptor-like bird with a soot-black plumage and a bare, wrinkled gray head. It has a shorter tail and broader wings compared to the Turkey Vulture. In flight, they are identified by white 'stars' or patches at the very tips of their wings and a choppy flapping style punctuated by short glides.

Solid charcoal-black to dark sooty gray. The dorsal (upper) surface is darker and more matte; the ventral (under) surface often shows a slight silvery or grayish sheen. The rachis (shaft) is dark, matching the vane.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout most of the vane for aerobic flight stability. The base (calamus area) shows some plumulaceous (downy) barbs for insulation. No specialized 'silent flight' comb-like edges (as seen in owls) are present.

The surface is matte and slightly coarse. It feels stiff and durable compared to songbird feathers. It lacks the oily sheen of waterbirds but has a natural resistance to debris.

Uniform dark coloration without banding; distinctive stiffness; rounded tip; and a dark, robust rachis. Lack of white except for the very tips of the primaries distinguishes this species from the Turkey Vulture's silver-lined secondaries.

Common in open areas, forests, and suburban environments. Frequently found near roadsides (for carrion) and at communal roosts in large trees or abandoned structures.

Resident throughout the Southeastern United States, including North Carolina, extending through Central America and most of South America. They are non-migratory in most of their range.

An essential scavenger (decomposers). They provide a vital ecosystem service by removing carrion, which helps prevent the spread of diseases such as anthrax and rabies.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) feathers are similar but usually have a paler, more silvery-brown underside on the secondaries. Crow or Raven feathers are glossier and smaller.

Unlike many birds, Black Vultures have a relatively poor sense of smell and often follow Turkey Vultures (who have an excellent sense of smell) to find carcasses. They are highly social and maintain strong family bonds, often sharing food with kin.

The feather appears to be in good condition with minor 'zipper' separation of the barbs at the tip, likely from ground contact or handling. The calamus is intact, suggesting a natural molt.

Southeastern NC