Black Vulture

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) is in the New World Vultures family (Cathartidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 68,099 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Black Vulture: observations by month (U.S.)

About Black Vulture

The black vulture (Coragyps atratus), also known as the American black vulture, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Peru, Central Chile and Uruguay in South America. Although a common and widespread species, it has a somewhat more restricted distribution than its compatriot, the turkey vulture, which breeds well into Canada and south to Tierra del Fuego. It is the only extant member of theFrom Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Black Vulture by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (New World Vultures)

Turkey VultureCathartes aura

California CondorGymnogyps californianus

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ