Black vulture

Black vultures find food largely by watching turkey vultures, which have a keener sense of smell, and often push them off carcasses by force of numbers. They roost communally and share information about food.

Vultures are nature's clean-up crew. Their stomach acid kills many disease-causing bacteria, including anthrax and botulism, so a carcass eaten by vultures is a carcass that no longer spreads disease. Black vultures are also unusually social, feeding family members and staying in long-term groups.

Nest — No nest; eggs laid on the ground in a hollow log, a cave or an abandoned building
Eggs — Usually two
Incubation — About 38 to 39 days
Chicks — Fed by both parents
Flight — At about 75 to 80 days
Lifespan — Wild birds over twenty-five years are recorded

• Vultures that damage roofing or car trim are pulling at soft rubber and caulking; covering it or scaring birds away gently usually ends it.
• Black vultures are protected under federal law; they may not be harmed without a permit.
• A vulture on a road is feeding on roadkill; slowing down lets it get clear.

• Vultures spread disease. They destroy it, removing carcasses before bacteria can spread.
• Vultures circle over dying animals. They soar on thermals looking for food, not waiting for anything to die.

• Turkey vulture
• Bald eagle