Animal Guide

American Black Vulture

33 destinations · 19 states

Native Range: Southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and much of South America

The American black vulture is a compact, dark scavenger that can look almost entirely black until sunlight reveals silvery patches on the undersides of its wings. Watch one take off and you'll notice a distinctive flight style. It flaps steadily for a while, then glides with its broad wings held nearly flat, often circling with other vultures above a food source. Unlike turkey vultures, American black vultures rely more heavily on keen eyesight and on following other scavengers to locate carrion. Their bare, dark gray head is well suited to a messy diet, while their strong bill helps tear through tough food. On the ground, they can be surprisingly social, gathering in groups around food or resting together on branches. Young birds have darker, feathered heads that gradually change as they mature. At a zoo or wildlife destination, watch a group carefully when it begins to spread its wings. A few birds may suddenly launch together, turning a quiet perch into a swirling flock overhead.

American Black Vulture

Where to see American Black Vulture

33 destinations across 19 states

33 destinations

Abilene Zoo

Abilene, TX

ABQ BioPark Zoo

Albuquerque, NM

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Tucson, AZ

Birmingham Zoo

Birmingham, AL

Brevard Zoo

Melbourne, FL

Busch Gardens Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA

Cameron Park Zoo

Waco, TX

Chahinkapa Zoo

Wahpeton, ND

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga, TN

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati, OH

El Paso Zoo

El Paso, TX

Elmwood Park Zoo

Norristown, PA

Frank Buck Zoo

Gainesville, TX

Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Fresno, CA

Houston Zoo

Houston, TX

Lehigh Valley Zoo

Schnecksville, PA

Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo

Monroe, LA

Minnesota Zoo

Apple Valley, MN

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Naples, FL

National Aviary

Pittsburgh, PA

Phoenix Zoo

Phoenix, AZ

Pueblo Zoo

Pueblo, CO

Roger Williams Park Zoo

Providence, RI

Ross Park Zoo

Binghamton, NY

Spring River Zoo

Roswell, NM

Sylvan Heights Bird Park

Scotland Neck, NC

The Texas Zoo

Victoria, TX

Tracy Aviary at Liberty Park

Salt Lake City, UT

Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo

Millbrook, NY

Virginia Living Museum

Newport News, VA

Western North Carolina Nature Center

Asheville, NC

Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari

Minocqua, WI

Zootah

Logan, UT

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