How to Tell a Black Vulture from a Turkey Vulture

Black Vulture

As long as I was going to be seeing so many vultures in Texas, I realized I had a great opportunity to learn the differences between Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures.  Turkey Vultures are common in upstate New York, but Black Vultures are expanding into our area, so learning to tell them apart may very well come in handy at home too.

Turkey Vulture

With their huge 6 foot wingspan, Turkey Vultures are easy to pick out as they catch thermals high in the sky. They soar with their wings in a dihedral shape (a shallow V) and often teeter from side-to-side.  The ends of the wings (their primaries) look like long fingers.  The front edge of the wings to just past the wrist is black; the trailing edge and primaries are greyish white.

Turkey Vulture 

As they come closer to earth, perhaps zeroing in on the carrion they eat almost exclusively, we can pick out other features like their bald red head.

Black Vulture

One of the first things you notice different about the Black Vulture is that the white on the underside of their wings is only at the wingtips.  They also hold their wings level while soaring (vs. the TV's shallow V) and you don't see them tipping from side-to-side.  Their tail is stubbier, in fact the tips of their toes may extend beyond the end of the tail.

Black Vulture

When you see the black and turkey vultures soaring together, the difference in their wingspan is especially noticeable; the Black Vulture's wingspan is under 5 feet, at least a foot shorter.

 

On closer views, you'll see the Black Vulture has a black bald head and white legs.  I think they look like they have tube socks on.

Interesting Facts

• Neither of these vultures build nests with nest material.  They just lay eggs on a flat surface of the nest site.
• Black Vultures don't have as keen a sense of smell as Turkey Vultures.  They'll find their food by site, or by hanging around with Turkey Vultures and letting them sniff out a meal.
• Black Vultures are more aggressive than Turkey Vultures and will drive Turkey Vultures off carrion.
• Black Vultures have a more diverse diet and are common scavengers at garbage dumps, or at open trash bins like in this suburban park.

Turkey Vultures were once rare in New York, but now have a wide distribution across most of the state.  Could the Black Vulture experience a similar expansion?

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Deb - great sighting. The hissing would've freaked me out, at least momentarily!

[Deb Myers]

Today I went up into the 2nd floor of a barn. Something was hissing in the dark. I had to get a flashlight to inspect and foud a baby black vulture staring at me. His flight feathers were starting to come in but his body had grey downy feathers on it. Went outside and spotted the parents. This was amazing getting so close to a rapture. I live in Cape May County, NJ

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Anna-Dee - that must've been quite a sight! Sounds like Black Vulture behavior coming into your yard.

[Anna-Dee]

Today I was rinsing out paint brushes after painting and looked up to notice 3 huge (I think black vultures) taking a drink from my birdbath! They were so hot/thirsty as I am here in Raleigh NC and it's hot today!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Carla - I don't think you can pay a blogger a higher compliment! Thank you so much.

[Carla]

Thank you so much for the mini lesson on vultures. I just love all your posts that teach me little hints that I would not gather on my own. You are a wonderful teacher.
I live in southern Indiana and today I had two male blue buntings in my yard. I was so excited!
~Carla

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Lana - you're right. Thanks for the additional info.
Radd - they sure were interesting to watch! And EVERYWHERE!!!

[Radd Icenoggle]

Great rundown of Black vs. Turkey Vultures. Can you believe that I miss Black Vultures living here in Montucky.

[Lana]

We have both kinds of vultures in my area, too. Black vultures also flap more often than turkey vultures.