Black+vulture

toc // Scientific name Coragyps atratus // Order: Falconiformes

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Housing Requirements

 * If fully flighted this species requires enough space to spread its wings and fly short distances. Raptor mews work well.

Diet Requirements

 * Whole foods are best (rats, mice), Bird of Prey diet can also be used

Notes on Enrichment & Training

 * Black vultures can be quite playful. Puzzle feeders work well as do any objects they can tug or carry such as browse. They will ingest random objects so use care when choosing toys.

=__Programmatic Information__=

Tips on Presentation

 * Can be trained to free-fly, or sit on the fist.

Potential Messaging

 * Present the importance of scavengers and the plight of many vulture species in the wild.

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat
Southern and Eastern US, most of Central and South America Forested and open areas. Roosts in undisturbed stands of tall trees

Physical Description
Smaller than the turkey vulture. Skin on face and neck is dark grey. In flight it can be distinguished from the turkey vulture by the white undersides of the wing tips

Life Cycle
incubation period of 38-39 days, fledge at 70-98 days Life expectancy of 10-12 years in the wild, 20+ years in zoos.

Behavior
Black vultures are highly social. they will share food with relatives and feed their young for months after fledging. A mated pare will stay together year-round. Will often associate with turkey vultures and will sometimes follow them to food.

Threats and Conservation Status
IUCN- Least Concern

=__Did you know…__=

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Baton Rouge Zoo

//When adding a new page, remember to add tags!//
 * //Activity Schedule: diurnal, nocturnal, crepuscular//
 * //Continent of Origin//
 * //Diet Requirements: carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, etc.//
 * //General Habitat/Biome: deserts, forests, mountains, etc.//