Black Vulture

photo by Phil Swanson

Coragyps atratus
L 25″ (64 cm) W 57″ (145 cm).

Song or calls:
Mostly silent but sometimes utters low, barking notes when fighting over food.

Description: Sexes similar.
Adult all black with gray, unfeathered head; light bill and legs. Overhead, wing tips distinctly “fingered” and show conspicuous white patches. Holds wings nearly flat when in flight. Immature similar.

Food: Feeds on carrion and roosts communally.

Habitat: Soaring bird of open country and populated areas.

Where in Nebraska: Accidental in summer in Nebraska. Documentation of Black Vultures in Nebraska is inadequate and lacking. 

Black Vulture - photo by Phil Swanson Black Vulture - photo by Phil Swanson
(click image for larger view)