One of the 2 new world vultures on WAnimals
Birds · Cathartiformes · Cathartidae
Black Vulture
Coragyps atratus
Least Concern
The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk.
The American black vulture is the only species in the genus Coragyps. It is a bird of the order Cathartiformes — although some classifications place it in the order Ciconiiformes — and one of the most abundant members of the family Cathartidae. The National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) uses the order Cathartiformes and the family Cathartidae for the taxonomic classification of the species. Despite its similar appearance and names, this species is not closely related to Aegypius monachus. That species belongs to the subfamily of the Old World vultures (Aegypiinae), which is in turn part of the family Accipitridae, which includes the eagles, kites, hawks and harriers, while the American species is part of the family of the New World vultures (Cathartidae).
Weight
1.6 kg – 2.8 kg
Size
56 cm – 74 cm
