We just got off the phone with Ruben, our friend in Lima. He told us that pilots are having a hard time landing their planes in Iquitos because of black vultures! Apparently, these birds are soaring around the airport, making it difficult for pilots to navigate their planes. We do hope to see some of these birds in Peru, but hopefully not too close to our airplane!

Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are really cool birds. They have a body length of 22 - 27 inches, a wingspan of 4 1/2 - 5 feet, and weigh 4 - 5 pounds.

These vultures are found in lowland areas along rivers or in open habitats in the southern United States and throughout Central and South America. They rarely inhabit dense forests. The Black Vulture has adapted well to human habitats and can be seen at garbage dumps, markets, fishing docks, and, apparently, airports.

Black Vultures mainly scavenge small to large-sized dead animals. These birds soar looking for carcasses or other scavenger activity. New World vultures do not build nests. This species lays its eggs in a cave, between large rocks, at the base of a tree, or in a hollow stump. The female lays 2 eggs that are incubated by both parents for 38 - 45 days. The young vultures fledge at about 3 months old, but they stay with the parents in a social group for years.

Like the turkey vulture, the black vulture’s numbers are increasing and its range is expanding northward in response to global climate changes. We will try to get some pictures of these birds for you when we get to Iquitos on Thursday!  

Info from www.peregrinefund.org