Black Vulture ( Coragyps atratus )

62 cm in length, 143 cm of wingspan. The feathers are absent in the head and neck. The body is black, with white spots near the tip of the wings (seen only when flying).
Distribution:
From central U.S.A to central Argentina.
Habitat:
Virtually in any kind of landscape, preferably in open areas. Absent in large areas of dense vegetation.
Diet:
Mainly carrion. Does not hunt, but kills injured or young animals, such as turtle eggs and hatchlings, even newly born big mammals like calves. May eat fruits. The excellent eyesight helps finding carrion at long distances.
Reproduction:
The courtship consists of movements of the male jumping on the ground with the wings opened and then flights to impress the female with its dexterity. The nest is built in a hidden place that may be the dense canopy of trees or rocky places. The young individuals are fed on a regurgitated liquid with a horrible odor.
Natural history:
It plays an important role scavenging carrion such as road kills. May fly long distances without beating the wings using ascending winds. To regulate the temperature of the body it urinates over the feet and opens the wings. The bare head helps it penetrating corpses in order to reach the internal organs.