Arizona's WildLife

The American black vulture is a large scavenging bird found throughout Arizona, easily recognized by its glossy black feathers and featherless gray head. Often seen soaring in groups, black vultures rely on thermals to glide efficiently while searching for carrion. They are frequently confused with turkey vultures, but can be distinguished by their shorter tails, broader wings, and more social behavior. Black vultures play a crucial ecological role by consuming dead animals, helping to prevent the spread of disease and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Their social and sometimes aggressive interactions with other scavengers make them a dynamic and integral part of Arizona’s avian communities.