Black Vulture (American Black Vulture)

This is a large, sturdy flight feather from a Black Vulture. These birds are identifiable by their soot-black plumage, bare black wrinkled heads, and short, square tails. In flight, they are characterized by their choppy wingbeats followed by short glides and distinctive white patches on the underside of their wingtips.

Dull charcoal black to soot-grey overall. Note the silver-white or pale grey sheen on the underside (ventral) of the barbs near the tips, which creates the 'white star' appearance on the wingtips in flight.

Mainly pennaceous with tightly interlocked barbs for flight stability, transitioning to more plumulaceous (downy) structure near the base of the calamus. The barbs are currently frayed and separated due to wear.

The rachis (shaft) is thick, dark brown to black, and slightly curved. Barbs are dense and emerge at an acute angle, providing a stiff surface for aerodynamic pressure.

The surface is matte and somewhat coarse or stiff to the touch. Unlike waterbirds, it lacks a heavy oily coating, appearing dry and slightly dusty.

Wing; a primary feather (outer wing). The extreme asymmetry of the vane suggests its role in providing lift and thrust during flight.

Large size, uniform soot-black coloration, asymmetrical vane, and notably the silver-grey tone on the underside of the outer barbs.

Found in varied open and semi-open areas including farmlands, forests, suburban areas, and roadsides. Often nests in hollow logs, thickets, or abandoned buildings.

Resident throughout the southeastern United States, Central America, and most of South America. Northern populations are slightly migratory or expanding northward due to climate shifts.

Keystone scavenger; provides a vital 'cleanup' service by consuming carrion, which helps prevent the spread of diseases like anthrax and rabies in the environment.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) feathers are typically browner and have a lighter/white rachis; Common Raven (Corvus corax) feathers are glossier/more iridescent and often smaller.

Unlike their Turkey Vulture cousins, Black Vultures lack a highly developed sense of smell and often follow Turkey Vultures to find carcasses. They are also known for 'urohidrosis'—defecating on their own legs to cool down via evaporation.

Vultures are often seen as symbols of death or rebirth in various cultures. Historically, their feathers were occasionally used in indigenous rituals or as materials for folk crafts, though they are much less common in fashion than raptor or peacock feathers.

Look for these feathers near large communal roosts in tall trees or near high-traffic roadsides where roadkill is frequent. They are most commonly found during the summer molting season.

Fair to Poor; the feather shows significant 'zipper' separation of the barbs (loss of barbule cohesion) and jagged wear along the edges, likely a molted feather that has been exposed to the elements.