Coragyps atratus atratus

(Bechstein, 1793)

Vernacular names
English : American black vulture
French : Urubu noir

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Accipitriformes
Family : Cathartidae
Notes : 2 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a body length of 74 cm for a weight of 1.9 kg and a wingspan of 160 cm. Unmistakable. Plumage entirely black with a light-colored area on primary flight feathers. Head and neck black with skin being warty. Small bill. Subspecies larger, with less extensive white underwing markings.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in south and eastern USA, in most of Central America and in South America, to south Chile and south-central Argentina. Subspecies found from south USA to north Mexico. Often associated with man-made habitats. Near rivers and open habitats.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is common to abundant within its range. It has clearly benefited from human activities. It may still be persecuted in parts of its range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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