06/04/2026
Knowledge sharing – Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) - We welcome sharing of our posts.
The Black Vulture is a common year-round resident of the Texas Gulf Coast. Their plumage is black with featherless, gray-skinned heads. In flight, white patches at the wingtips become visible. These raptors are often seen soaring in groups called kettles, with the silhouette of their short tails almost merging into their broad, flat wings.
Black Vultures prefer open habitats with some trees to perch in. They are also commonly found in developed areas like cities and dumps. Like other vultures, they feed mainly on carrion, but they lack the heightened senses of other vultures. Instead, they follow other vulture species to a carcass and then use their size and aggression to chase other scavengers away. They may also prey on small animals, eggs, reptiles, and human refuse, as well as baby birds and mammals.
The only living member of genus Coragyps, the Black Vulture is unique among our vulture species. These birds actually lack vocal chords, limiting their vocalizations to hisses and croaks. For a bird of few words, they go by many regional names including Mexican Vulture, Gallinazo, Urubu, and Zopilote.
Photos and information shared by Chapter members Elizabeth and Elisha Hehir.
