Black Vultures are sometimes called buzzards, and have black heads. The other common vulture in the US is the turkey vulture, which has a red head.



Black vultures have wingspans up to 5' across. Its head is featherless. This helps keep its head clean when it is sticking its beak into carrion to rip off chunks. The end of the black vulture's beak is hooked, to help it eat.

Black vultures are protected by US law. While vultures used to be considered birds of prey like owls and hawks, they are now categorized with storks.

The black vultures in the photo were seen in the Florida Everglades, perched over the body of a dead alligator.

Visit the Vultures in Georgia