The Avian Conservation Center
The Center for Birds of Prey
Charleston, South Carolina
BLACK VULTURE
Black Vulture / Coragyps atratus: A world without vultures would be a world in big ecological trouble. The people of India and Pakistan are finding this out the hard way following the recent precipitous declines in their most common vulture species. Fortunately, in North America we have vulture species that are currently quite healthy and numerous. The NA species are being actively monitored and researched to help ensure that their current status is sustained. One of the two vulture species seen commonly throughout much of the United States and Central America is the Black vulture. They are often seen along roadways where they congregate around the carcasses of animals killed by vehicles. Their diet consists almost entirely of carrion although they have been reported killing sick or weakened calves. They are also seen in large groups at roost sites where they congregate with Turkey vultures. In flight, the Black vulture can be identified by its short tail, silvery-white wing tips and rather awkward, rapid flapping that looks as if the bird is struggling to keep from falling out of the sky.
Black vultures “2081” and “2082” arrived at the ICBP medical clinic as small, white, fluffy hatchlings whose parents had been killed by dogs. As birds that nest on the ground, Black vultures are particularly susceptible to predation during nesting. Despite the strict protocols employed by the clinical staff to avoid the mal-imprinting of young birds on humans by utilizing camouflage, puppets for feeding and minimizing all human contact, the young pair of birds refused to remain wild. To avoid their being harmed, the pair was recaptured and have since altered the somewhat negative perception of vultures through educational presentations and flying demonstrations.
The Avian Conservation Center is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 corporate entity founded in 1991 to contribute to the fields of science, education, and conservation.
Wild birds are among the world's most illuminating sentinel species. Birds are numerous, conspicuous, diverse, widespread, and particularly sensitive to environmental changes. The ecological status of wild birds directly reflects the condition of the ecosystem and biodiversity as a whole. Environmental issues that impact wild bird populations often have potential human health implications as well.
Ideally situated on a 150-acre campus near Charleston, South Carolina, The Center is dedicated to the study and welfare of birds and their habitats and to engaging the public in important environmental issues that affect birds and humans alike.
Operating 365 days a year with support from more than 80 trained and dedicated volunteer staff members, the Center's medical clinic treats nearly 400 injured birds of prey each year. The Center has treated and released thousands of injured birds since its founding in 1991.
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