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Science & Nature • Ornithology

Black Vulture

The black vulture (*Coragyps atratus*) is a New World vulture also known as urubu in parts of Latin America.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The black vulture (*Coragyps atratus*) is a New World vulture and a scavenging bird found from the southeastern United States through much of Central America and South America. It is also known as the urubu in parts of Latin America and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Taxonomy and naming

The black vulture belongs to the family Cathartidae, making it one of the New World vultures. It is also known by several regional names, including urubu, zopilote, and gallinazo.

Distribution and habitat

This species occurs from the southeastern United States south through much of Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is associated with open or partly forested habitats and often occurs near human settlements.

Behaviour and diet

Black vultures are scavengers that feed mainly on dead animals, and they may also consume other food sources when available. They are social birds and often gather in groups.

Conservation

The black vulture is considered a common and widespread species. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern, and recent bird-conservation sources describe its population as stable or increasing in some areas.

Key facts

  • The black vulture (*Coragyps atratus*) is a New World vulture.
  • It is a scavenger that feeds mainly on carrion.
  • Its range extends across much of the Americas, including the southeastern US, Central America, and South America.
  • The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
  • It is known by the name urubu in some Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking regions.
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Canadian context

Black vultures are not a breeding species in Canada, but they are relevant to Canadian birders because the species has expanded northward and is sometimes reported in southern Canada. [3][14][18]

Frequently asked questions

What is an urubu?
Urubu is a regional name for the black vulture, *Coragyps atratus*.
Where does the black vulture live?
It ranges from the southeastern United States through Central America and much of South America.
What does the black vulture eat?
It is mainly a scavenger and feeds on carrion, though it may also eat other available food items.
Is the black vulture endangered?
No. The IUCN classifies it as Least Concern.
What family does the black vulture belong to?
It belongs to the family Cathartidae, the New World vultures.

References

  1. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/black-vulture
    Supports: Common name, scientific name, and IUCN status.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_vulture
    Supports: Alternative names including urubu, range, and general identification.
  3. Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture/overview
    Supports: Family, identification, social behaviour, and names.
  4. The Peregrine Fund — https://www.peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/vultures/black-vulture
    Supports: Range, feeding behaviour, and conservation status.
  5. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary — https://www.hawkmountain.org/raptors/black-vulture
    Supports: Family, abundance, habitat, and Canadian occurrences.
  6. Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture/lifehistory
    Supports: Range expansion, population trend, and conservation context.