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American Black Vulture


American Black Vulture
Photo Information
Copyright: Ralf Lukovic (ralfsworld) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 509 W: 88 N: 1816] (6134)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07-08
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon 20D, Canon 100-400L 4.5-5.6 IS USM
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-03-10 12:14
Viewed: 1004
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
American Black Vulture captured in Veracruz area on the way to Mexico City. Summer 2006, 20D @ 560mm (400x1,4) handheld.

A common New World vulture, the American Black Vulture, or Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus, tends to have a more southerly distribution than its compatriot, the Turkey Vulture, which breeds well into Canada.

Despite the similar name and appearance, this species is unrelated to Eurasian Black Vulture. The latter species is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae (which includes eagles, hawks, kites and harriers), whereas the American species is a New World vulture in the family Cathartidae. It is the only extant member of the genus Coragyps.

These are very large birds of prey at 65cm length and with a 1.5m wingspan. Their plumage is mainly glossy black; they have broad wings with white tips, a short tail and a featherless greyish head. In comparison with the Turkey Vulture, the Black Vulture flaps its wings more frequently during flight.

These birds are found in open regions in the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America and South America. They are usually permanent residents.

They eat mainly carrion, but also eggs and decomposing plant material. They may scavenge at garbage dumps and sometimes kill young animals. These birds on occasion forage in groups. They soar high when searching for food, holding their wings flat when gliding.

The female lays 2 or 3 eggs on the ground in a wooded area or in a hollow log or other cavity. Both parents incubate and feed the young, regurgitating food at the nest site.
ellis49, coasties, falke, uleko, Rolf, angybone has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hej Ralf,
the exposure is very good, we can see the details in the dark parts. Sharpeness and details are good too.
I like the pose and the composition.
Well done.

Nu är det snart vår med nya fåglar ;-))

Hi Ralf

A very well taken shot. Details are clearly seen in the black plumage. Good eye contact with a nice catchlight. :-)

  • Great 
  • falke Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 158 W: 17 N: 450] (1614)
  • [2007-03-10 12:35]

This is a great photo. I truly wish I get the option to see this specie. Good colours and great composition!

Regards/Bengt

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2577 W: 170 N: 7864] (24859)
  • [2007-03-10 13:10]

Hej Ralf,
Not exactly beautiful but a great capture of this vulture. The leafy background adds very much to this successful image. Great sharpness and nice colours. Brilliant composition!
TFS and regards, Ulla

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 147 N: 7948] (24747)
  • [2007-03-10 13:18]

Hej Ralf,
Nice sharp capture of this ugly bird, nicel y composed with the contrasting BG of the palm fronds.
I last saw one of these in Trinidad over 10 years ago, but didn't get as good a shot as this.
TFS,
Hälsningar,
Ivan

Vi fick lite sol idag. Skönt!

  • Great 
  • Nilson Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 354 W: 0 N: 300] (2268)
  • [2007-03-10 16:26]

Exelente foto, nitidez e côres agradaveis,muito bom,parabéns por esta magnifica imagem.
Nilson

  • Great 
  • Rolf Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 59 W: 0 N: 27] (196)
  • [2007-03-11 3:43]

Very nice shot of this raptor.
TFS
Rolf

Wonderful details - great dynamic range. Black is a hard one to photograph I'm sure you already know. Wonderful shot!

Hello Ralf.
Beautiful photo nice Black Vulture. (Urubu Brazil).Congratulation.
Regards.
Ralf

http://www.treknature.com/gallery/South_America/Brazil/photo122232.htm

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