The Black Vulture is a non-migratory Vulture found throughout Central America, as well as the Eastern and Southeastern parts of North America. The largest Vulture, the California Condor, once a resident of southern California, is now on the brink of extinction. The most common of the three North American species is the Turkey Vulture. Turkey Vultures are large, dark brown birds with relatively small heads and tails. One of the well known characteristics of the Turkey Vulture is its featherless head.
Juveniles have greyish black heads, while adults have red heads.
Their beaks are hooked and sharp, ideal for tearing flesh from a carcass. Turkey Vultures feast only on carrion, such as roadkill and dead farm animals. Turkey Vultures are often seen soaring in thermals or gliding low to the ground in search of carrion. Seen head on, Vultures hold their wings in a shallow V-shape. In flight, Vultures tend to wobble side to side, unlike an Eagle or Hawk.