The damage to delicate wings from entrapment is nearly always very severe, as the struggling bird's entire weight pulling on the tangled wing adds enormously to the damage inflicted. Fishermen can prevent tragedy to owls, herons, and other large birds by removing tangled line along waterways. About Black Vultures Vultures play a vital role in our ecosystem by feeding on disease- carrying carrion, helping to recycle nutrients back into the food chain. Unlike the larger Turkey vulture, which can locate carrion by smell, the black vulture must depend on its keen eyesight. They prefer to cruise over open country, but can be seen in light woodlands during breeding season.
Black vultures are highly social, and young birds remain with their family group for several years.
There is good evidence that flocks of black vultures that roost together nightly are made up of large extended family units. Case Histories 'Ethel' was hatched in the wild, and was acquired by the Birmingham Zoo from a local animal dealer as an adult in 1971. In 1990, Ethel 'retired' from the Zoo, and came to live at the Treetop Nature Trail. The Audubon Encyclopedia of North American Birds states that the record for longevity is currently held by a bird that lived at the National Zoo in Washington for 21 years, and one month. Tuscaloosa' was hit by a car near Cottondale in May of 1993.