black buzzard
1. Bird Name
The bird in profile is the Black Buzzard. Its scientific name is Coragyps atratus.
2. Appearance
The Black Buzzard, as the name suggests, is primarily black in color. It has shiny feathers that give it an iridescent sheen when viewed at close quarters. The bird’s beak is sharp and hooked, designed for tearing flesh, and is slightly grey in color. The eyes of the Black Buzzard are light brown to amber-colored, surrounded by a hairless patch of skin which is dark in color. In terms of physical features, the bird also has a broad wing and a short tail.
Male and female Black Buzzards are indistinguishable in their appearance although males tend to be slightly larger in size.
3. Size
The average length of a Black Buzzard is around 58–65 cm (22–26 Inches). The bird has a wingspan of approximately 143–160 cm (56–63 inches). The weight of this bird species ranges between 2 and 3 kg.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Black Buzzards are found throughout a range that spans from southern Canada to South America, with an especially dense population in the United States. They inhabit a variety of environmental conditions including swamps, prairie lands, forests, pastures, and deserts. However, they are not found in dense forest or high altitudes. They are adaptable and can also be observed in urban and suburban areas feeding on road kills and waste.
5. Interesting Facts
Interestingly, Black Buzzards are known to use tools. They have been observed using sticks to scratch themselves. Their flight is energy efficient, as they can glide for hours without flapping their wings. They maintain their glossy feather coat by sunning and preening, an act that helps them kill parasites and maintain the insulating properties of feathers.
6. Diet
Black Buzzards are scavengers and their diet mainly consists of carrion. They eat the dead bodies of various animals, and predominantly feed on dead mammals. They also eat rotten fruits and eggs. On occasions, they are known to kill live prey, such as small animals, baby birds, and fish.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Black Buzzards are social birds and are often found in large groups. They roost in trees or on ruins, often with hundreds of other buzzards. During the breeding season, they indulge in courtship displays that involve circling and diving in the air and on the ground. They produce hissing and grunting sounds. In most instances, Black Buzzards are usually silent.
8. Conservation Status
The Black Buzzard is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN Red List. This is because of its large range and increasing populations as a result of urbanization, which provides increased feeding opportunities such as roadkill and rubbish.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, Black Buzzards can live for up to 25 years, while in captivity, their lifespan can extend up to 30 years.
10. Additional Notes
In some cultures, the Black Buzzard is seen as a symbol of purification as they cleanse the environment by feeding on decaying animals, preventing the spread of diseases. They also play a significant role in the ecosystem by acting as garbage cleaners. Black Buzzards aren’t typically fearful of humans and will often feed or roost near human-populated areas.
