Black overall with a brownish cast. The bare head is red with an ivory bill, and the legs are dark pinkish. Young birds have gray heads and whitish legs. In flight, the long tail and the long square wings distinguish this species from Black Vulture. The undersides of the flight feathers are pale gray. This contrasts with the black leading half of the wing, giving the wing a two-toned look visible from a great distance. The wings are held in a pronounced dihedral, and the bird often rocks back and forth in the wind.

Length: 64 (cm) Wingspan: 173 (cm)

Voice:

Occasional hisses.

Habitat:

Nests in forested habitats. Forages over a wide range of open habitats.

Behavior:

During cool morning hours, often perches facing the sun with wings outstretched for an hour or more before taking flight.

Feeding:

Finds carrion with highly developed sense of smell.