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Black vulture
Coragyps atratus
Animal facts
The name Coragyps atratus means ‘Raven-vulture clothed in black’.
Cora comes from korax, the Greek word for raven, gyps means vulture; and the Latin atratus means to be clothed in black.
These birds do not build nests, but choose to lay their eggs in a cave, between rocks, under a bush or at the base of trees.
They are quiet birds as they have no voice box but can be heard to hiss or snarl if annoyed.
Where they live
Southern United States and throughout Central and South America.
Habitat
Lowland areas along rivers.
What they eat
Dead meat. They scavenge for carcasses.