Black Vulture

Turkey Buzzards, as old-timers called them, are magnificent fliers.  Alone or by the dozen, they sail for hours high in the sky, rocking slightly from side to side and holding their wings in a shallow V.  

The Black Vulture, a more southern species, holds its wings flat and flaps them frequently; the Turkey Vulture flaps mainly when seeking updrafts at low altitudes.  Vultures eat some live prey, but most of their food is carrion.  

The largest vulture in North America, the endangered California Condor, has a 10-foot wingspan. 

 Black Vulture