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black vulture

bird, Coragyps atratus
Also known as: American black vulture, Coragyps atratus, black buzzard, carrion crow(Show More)

Quick Summary

The black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is an American vulture, often called a black buzzard or carrion crow. It is a chunky, black bird, approximately 24 inches long, with a very short tail and short wings. Unlike the turkey vulture, it has a bare black head and a feathered hindneck. The black vulture is the most abundant vulture species and is found in the tropics and subtropics, often migrating into temperate regions. It is heavier in flight than the turkey vulture.12

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