Rather than standing on one foot like other birds at roost, vultures squat on the perch like chickens, resting the breast on the feet. In subtropical and tropical America, these chunky birds probably are the most numerous birds of prey. They are occasionally seen in southern Missouri. Like turkey vultures, black vultures are migratory, nesting in Missouri and residing here from April through September. Nesting habits are similar to those of turkey vultures, except that black vultures are sociable nesters.
Black vultures fly with a series of heavy flaps followed by a labored glide.
Their clutch of two eggs takes 38 to 41 days to incubate, and the young vultures fledge after 70 to 77 days. Return to list. They winter in the southern United States and Central America, generally returning in March. Nesting begins in April. They are social when roosting but are solitary nesters.