I had a fun photo op at the county landfill and recycling center this morning. Just a couple years ago I would have just thought, “Ew, gross!” and gone about dumping things into the proper bins. But in doing this blog, I’ve grown to appreciate these not too beautiful birds in our environment. A Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus).
The Black Vulture is one of two that are seen in this area. The other is a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) which looks quite similar but has a red head rather than a black head.
These two Vultures dine only on dead animals and in the process remove bacteria and fungi, and other substances that can be toxic to humans. Their stomachs contain a formidable acid which destroys these potentially harmful contaminants.
I still think they are not an attractive bird, but at this point I certainly do look at them in a different light. Thank you, Vultures!
2 responses to “Black Vulture Photo Op”
One lady called them Peace Eagles for their main job being clean up rather than predation. I like the way they fly on the unseen aerial topography sculpted by wind and thermal effects on hills and vegetation. On minor aside, Black Vultures, as opposed to our Turkified friends, will on occasion take a live rat or whatever they can get at the land fill (seen it done and have it on conversation that it’s only the Black Vultures with the live captures)
Bren, I have a question. On occasion I see a largish all dark bird with white wing tips. It has a different flight pattern from vultures and hawks. It flaps four times, a short glide and repeats that pattern. I was told it was a buzzard but that is what the English call hawks. My very old Peterson Field Guide does not show it but does note the name buzzard hawk (buteo). Can you clarify?
Nancy