Black Vulture

The Black Vulture is a common and conspicuous scavenger across Ecuador’s lowlands, thriving in open habitats near human settlements, agricultural fields, and forest edges from coastal regions to Amazonian foothills. It occurs year-round and is especially abundant in areas with roadkill, refuse, or livestock, often foraging in noisy, social flocks. Despite occasional conflicts with ranchers over predation on newborn livestock, it is globally listed as Least Concern due to its wide range and ecological resilience. With its keen eyesight and communal roosting habits, the species plays a vital role in carrion disposal, though it remains largely silent—communicating through hisses and grunts due to its lack of a syrinx.