The Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus) or 'buzzard' is probably the most most numerous bird of prey in the Western hemisphere. It is a scavenging bird which feeds mostly on the remains of dead animals. Two species of vultures are found in North America, the Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, and the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus. The black vulture is a large black bird with a wingspan of 4 1/2 to 5 feet. It has a rather short tail and can be easily identified in flight by the presence of a conspicuous white patch underneath each wing tip. The beak is long and hooked, and when in flight, holds its wings out straighter, rather than in a shallow "V" like the turkey vulture. Everglades National Park, FL.