Bird Gallery Index

Black Vulture image © Helen Baines

Family: (Cathartidae) New World Vultures

Preferred Habitat: Woodlands

Seasonal Occurrence: Very common throughout the year. Permanent resident.

Notes: Both Black Vultures and Turkey Vultures are found in Houston. In general, Black Vultures are somewhat less common than Turkey Vultures and prefer more wooded areas. However, since Black Vultures are more tolerant of city conditions, they are more likely to be seen within our city limits. It is not at all unusual to find them hanging around shaded areas and even suburban backyards. Black Vultures are smaller than Turkey Vultures, with shorter tails. In flight they may be distinguished by their white wing tips (Turkey Vultures have white primaries and secondaries). Vultures perform a valuable service in cleaning up the numerous roadkills found on our roads. Their heads and necks are without feathers, a handy adaptation for carrion eaters. Unlike most birds, vultures have a highly developed sense of smell which enables them to find their prey. In addition, Black Vultures supplement their diets with live prey. Black Vultures prefer to roost in large communal roosts, sometimes with a few Turkey Vultures.
- Susan Billetdeaux