Black Vultures

I chose to observe the black vultures or Coragyps atratus (The Cornell lab of Ornithology, 2015). There is a small flock of three black vultures that are common in my neighborhood. All three black vultures appear to be roughly 2 feet tall, and an estimated 5 pounds. I was lucky enough to observe one of the black vultures expand their wings, and this vulture’s wingspan was roughly 4 feet wide. I based my estimates on the surroundings of the vultures including a fence and vehicle. Black vultures are 3rd trophic level consumers.

2. What is the ecological role or niche of your animal/insect?

The major ecological role of the black vulture is a forager (The Cornell lab of Ornithology, 2015). However, at times it can also be hunters (The Cornell lab of Ornithology, 2015). The profession of foraging or scavenging is a very important profession in regards to the ecosystem, because they dispose of carrion or dead animals that would otherwise be a breeding ground for disease. In essence, black vultures help to keep the world a cleaner place.

Black vultures generally travel, scavenge and live in flocks (The Cornell lab of Ornithology, 2015). They live in trees and high structures (The Cornell lab of Ornithology, 2015). Black vultures are most active during the day, and they return to their shared …show more content…
In dire situation they will also feed on insects and live prey (The Cornell lab of Ornithology, 2015). The ecological role of a vulture is forager/scavenger and they are 3rd trophic level consumers. Squirrels and rabbits feed on plants, nuts, fruit and insects. The ecological roles of squirrels and rabbits are cultivators and they are 2nd trophic level consumers. Insects feed on plants, fruits and other insects. The ecological role of insects is cultivators, scavengers, decomposers and they 2nd trophic level consumers. Plants, nuts and fruits are 1st trophic level