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

[Anna M Hill]

I saw my first Black Vulture today 09/22/2016 in Garner Texas which is in Parker County, but it looked charcoal gray, different.

[John Bowie]

I saw a turkey vulture just north of. Montreal while I was walking in the woods this morning,first time eve

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Douglas, what a sight that must have been - thanks for sharing with us. Texas has some wonderful migrations that are truly awe-inspiring.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

D.L., I'm happy you recognize their role, even though you don't care for them!

[Douglas Crump]

On January 19,2016 at about 5:30pm, Lakeside, Texas, just NW of Fort Worth, I stood in my back yard and watched several hundred to a thousand Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures flying north to south . This migration lasted a good 10-15 minutes solid. I have never seen this many vultures together. I even took pictures on phone and sent them to TPW biologist. For me, it was a once in a lifetime experience. They are so massive in size and their were so many. Hope they come through again.

[D.L Srednas]

Tennesse has a huge population of buzzards and vultures. Some red headed, some not. My neighborhood is overrun. I really dislike the nasty birds but realize the have their place in the food chain here. Flying garbage disposals.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

J, both vultures will assume that stance so look for the other field marks I've described. Good luck!

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Keep observing tt. I found that the wing coloration was the easiest way to tell them apart. Telling size is hard from a distance.

[J]

We just moved to NC, so are still getting used to different wildlife. it is winter here and we have some birds, that I believe are black vultures hanging around our neighborhood. They land in trees high up and sit with their wings expanded. Does that characterize black vultures or am I misidentifying them?

[tt]

Ive seen either a turkey vulture or black vulture in soundview park in the bronx...not sure but leaning towards turkey vulture because wing span appeared to be over 5 feet across.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Necywms, Turkey Vultures do migrate. Depending on where you live, they still might be moving through. They don't go too far south.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Liz, they must be beautiful. Feel free to share them if you'd like!

[Necywms]

I saw a huge turkey vulture today feasting on some road kill. I thought they migrate south this late in the year. It's October 22.

[liz lutz]

I am an artist and have been attracted to turkey vultures seriously only recently. They make great subjects for the artist. One I did is of a regal male, a more submissive female and a flying friend. These three were pictured looking in different diections. The red heads and black winged bodies are smashing! Three vultures in the distance are sitting quietly. One is flying inthe distance. I can send the pics to you as an attachment if you would like....

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Ron, vultures primarily feed on carrion but infrequently take small mammals. In eating carrion, vultures play an important role in our environment, helping clean up roadkill and reduce disease. If you fear they are stalking your cat, best to move her (and maybe KEEP her) indoors. Better for her and for all wildlife!

[Ron Lane]

I live in orange co. N.Y, and for about month now I have been getting frequent visits from 12 black vultures. Every morning. I do not have any food or garbage around, just a family cat that stays on my deck. Question, how can I get rid of these peaty crapping birds, and will they harm my cat?

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Don, it was in Texas that I first saw Black Vultures. I'd love to see more regularly! Thanks for sharing your sighting.

[Don Sparks]

I spotted a fairly large flock of Black Vultures (10-15) soaring around my neighborhood in Katy Texas on 8/19/15. They are really fun to watch.

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Hi Sharon, thanks for the report of Black Vultures in Pennsylvania. Black Vultures are expanding their range northward, and you obviously benefited from that expansion. There are occasional reports now even in upstate New York!
Thanks again for stopping in and visit again soon, okay?

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

According to the Cornell All About Birds site, even though Black Vultures primarily feed on carrion, they have been known to kill some small mammals, fish, turtle hatchlings, and smaller livestock. Read more at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/black_vulture/lifehistory

[Sharon Sexton]

I live in north central Maryland, about 20 miles south of Gettysburg, PA and I had 2 black vultures (which I've never seen in my 50 years of life) land in my pine tree about 10' away from me!
I was able to get several close up pics of them. Then a few weeks later they were back and were soaring low with turkey vultures. I have a really good picture of the black and turkey vulture together.
Really nice blog!
~Sharon

[Mark]

Will black vultures attack living animals? I have read that they do, like newborn calves or other farm animals, what about domestic cats?

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Elisa, so tell me: what it a Black Vulture???

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

WOW! Great story Jonnie! I'd love to see that picture. Thanks for sharing this amazing observation.

[elisa]

oh my gad i saw a huge bird bigger than me almost it flew away and it was so wierd now it is sitting on my roof