Black vultures, large and broad-winged birds, often raise questions about their feeding habits, especially concerning live animals. These birds are a common sight in the southeastern United States, with their range expanding northward in recent decades. Understanding their behavior clarifies common misconceptions about their ecosystem role.
The Truth About Black Vulture Predation
Black vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding almost exclusively on carrion (decaying flesh). They use sharp eyesight to locate carcasses, often soaring high above ground. Unlike turkey vultures, black vultures lack a keen sense of smell, often following turkey vultures to food sources. Once a carcass is located, black vultures gather in large numbers, aggressively displacing other scavengers, including turkey vultures, to access the meal.
Attacks on live, healthy animals are rare for black vultures. Their physical adaptations, like feet suited for walking rather than grasping, indicate they are not built for predatory hunting. While their diet mainly consists of dead animals of various sizes, from small mammals to large livestock, they are opportunistic. This opportunistic nature means their behavior can deviate from strict scavenging under specific circumstances.
When Attacks Occur
Despite their primary role as scavengers, black vultures may attack live animals under certain conditions, especially vulnerable ones. These instances usually involve very young, weak, sick, or incapacitated animals. Newborn livestock like calves, lambs, and piglets are especially susceptible. Attacks can occur during the birthing process when animals are most helpless.
Black vultures often target soft tissues like eyes, nose, or tongue of vulnerable animals. The birds typically act in groups, overwhelming animals through sheer numbers and aggressive pecking. While infrequent, such events can be devastating for livestock producers, leading to significant losses. The expanding range of black vultures into new areas has led to increased reports of these interactions.
Identifying Black Vultures
Distinguishing black vultures from other large birds, especially turkey vultures, helps understand their behavior. Black vultures are entirely black, with a bare, dark gray head and throat. In flight, they display noticeable white patches on the underside of wingtips, particularly visible when soaring. Their tail is short and square-tipped, giving them a more compact appearance than turkey vultures.
Their flight pattern also differs significantly; black vultures hold broad wings relatively flat while soaring, alternating short bursts of quick, stiff wingbeats with periods of gliding. This contrasts with the turkey vulture’s tendency to soar with wings held in a distinct “V” shape and a more teetering flight. When perched, black vultures appear stocky with relatively long, gray legs.
Deterring Vulture Activity
Several non-lethal methods can help deter black vulture activity. Promptly removing any dead animals from pastures or properties is important, as carrion attracts vultures. Keeping vulnerable livestock, like animals nearing birth, in enclosed areas or close to human activity provides protection and allows for closer monitoring.
Effigies, replicas or actual carcasses of dead vultures, are often effective deterrents. These should be hung upside down by their feet with wings spread in a prominent, visible location. Noisemakers, such as air horns, pyrotechnics, or propane cannons, can harass vultures and make them feel unsafe. Removing dead trees where vultures might roost discourages their presence near vulnerable areas.