Are there black vultures in NY?

Quick Answer

Yes, there are black vultures located in New York state. The black vulture, also known as the American black vulture or Coragyps atratus, is a species of bird found in the southeastern United States that has been expanding its range further north in recent decades. Black vultures were first sighted in New York in the mid-1980s and have become more common across the state since then, with confirmed sightings in locations such as Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley, the Capital District, and as far north as the Adirondacks. Though their numbers are still limited compared to turkey vultures and other more common species, black vultures appear to be establishing a permanent presence in parts of New York.

Overview of Black Vultures

The black vulture is one of two species of vulture found in the United States, along with the turkey vulture. Here are some key facts about black vultures:

• Scientific name: Coragyps atratus
• Physical features: All-black plumage except for whitish tips on the undersides of their wings; bald black head and neck; stouter bill than the turkey vulture
• Length: 23-27 inches
• Wingspan: 4.5-5 feet
• Habitat: Open country, suburbs, farms, woods
• Diet: Carrion such as dead animals, roadkill; also eggs and young of other birds
• Range: Southeastern U.S. and expanding northward
• Migration: Partially migratory; northern birds migrate further south for winter

The black vulture is a highly social species that roosts and feeds in groups called “venoms”. It locates carrion by sight rather than smell and is known for its energetic, acrobatic flight. Black vultures will also feed on livestock afterbirths and attack very young, sick, or injured animals. Their bald head allows them to stay cleaner when feeding inside carcasses.

History and Spread of Black Vultures in New York

Prior to the 1980s, black vultures were rare vagrants in New York and were not known to breed in the state. Here is a brief overview of the history and spread of black vultures in New York:

• Mid-1980s – First confirmed sightings of black vultures on Long Island and in the lower Hudson Valley; likely dispersing north from growing populations in the Southeast.
• 1990s – Small numbers regularly sighted across southern New York; breeding pairs confirmed on Long Island.
• 2000s – Breeding populations become established in the Hudson Valley and elsewhere in southeastern New York. Sightings increase in the eastern Catskills and Capital District.
• 2010s – Black vultures continue expanding northward with sightings in Central New York, the Adirondacks, and parts of western New York.
• Current range – Found year-round across southeastern New York north to the Capital District. Regular summer sightings as far north as the Adirondacks and Lake Ontario. Still rare in western New York.

The black vulture population in New York is estimated to be in the hundreds of birds but likely continues to grow as the species extends its range. The bird’s scavenging habits bring it near human settlements, making it increasingly visible.

Black Vulture Sightings in New York

Here are some notable sightings that demonstrate the black vulture’s growing presence across New York in recent decades:

• 1987 – First confirmed sighting on Long Island in Suffolk County.
• 1988 – Black vultures observed at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary north of Port Jervis, Orange County. Also sighted near the Bear Mountain Bridge, Westchester County.
• 1996 – Breeding pair spotted at Caumsett State Historic Park, Suffolk County, Long Island.
• 1997 – Group of up to 30 black vultures observed at Fahnestock State Park in Putnam County.
• 2003 – Single bird seen gliding over Jones Beach, Suffolk County, Long Island – notable as first sighting over ocean.
• 2008 – Groups of up to 9 birds sighted in eastern Catskills around Windham and Hunter, Greene County.
• 2012 – Black vulture spotted feeding on deer carcass in Washington County park, marking the species’ arrival in eastern New York.
• 2015 – Single bird photographed circling over Lake Placid, Essex County – one of the first Adirondack records.
• 2019 – Pair spotted at Letchworth State Park, Wyoming County – first time observed in western New York.

These sightings demonstrate the black vulture’s ongoing northerly expansion across New York over the past 30-40 years. Long Island and the lower Hudson Valley were the earliest strongholds, but the species has since spread across eastern, central and even parts of western New York.

Current Population and Distribution in New York

According to the latest data from bird surveys and expert observations, black vultures now appear to be present year-round across most of southeastern New York north to the Capital District. Here is an overview of their current population status and distribution:

• Long Island – Well-established resident population numbering in the low hundreds, concentrated in Suffolk County with smaller numbers in Nassau County.
• Lower Hudson Valley – Year-round resident population in Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties. May be expanding further north along the Hudson River Valley.
• New York City – Much rarer than turkey vultures but occasionally sighted over the outer boroughs or along the coast.
• Eastern Catskills – Small year-round population along the northern edge centered around Greene County; numbers likely increasing.
• Capital District – Regularly observed in Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties, mainly from late spring to early fall.
• Central New York – Sometimes present during summers north to Cayuga and Onondaga counties. Likely does not breed in this region.
• Adirondacks – Rare summer visitor. Sightings have increased in recent years but no evidence of breeding yet.
• Western New York – Very rare vagrant outside of the southeast. Status uncertain.

Going forward, experts expect black vultures will continue to expand their range across upstate New York, perhaps eventually reaching all corners of the state if their northerly spread continues.

Habitat Use and Behavior in New York

In New York, black vultures utilize a mix of habitats but seem to prefer open country interspersed with forests, such as the following environments:

• Old fields
• Rural farmland
• Marshlands
• Suburbs and residential neighborhoods
• State parks
• Highways and roads
• Coastlines

They roost communally in dead trees and will also nest on ledges or cavities in cliff faces.

In terms of behavior, New York’s black vultures:

• Soar on thermals while foraging
• Roost in groups of 20+ birds
• May mob or harass birds of prey near roosts
• Follow turkey vultures to find food sources
• Scavenge dead fish along coastlines
• Feed on livestock afterbirths on farms
• Interact aggressively at shared carcasses

Their social, cooperative foraging and willingness to exploit human settlements help black vultures thrive even at the northern edge of their range.

Interactions with Turkey Vultures

Since the two vulture species share the same scavenging niche, black vultures inevitably interact with the more common turkey vulture in areas where their ranges overlap. Here are some key points:

• Black vultures tend to follow turkey vultures to food because turkey vultures have a better sense of smell for finding carrion.
• The two species sometimes cooperate and feed together, but black vultures may aggressively displace turkey vultures from carcasses.
• Turkey vultures still greatly outnumber black vultures in most of New York, limiting competition.
• In areas with abundant food and roost sites, the species coexist easily.
• Black vultures appear better adapted for life near humans and urban environments.
• As black vultures increase in number, significant conflicts over food and nest sites may emerge.

Overall, the similarities between turkey and black vultures allow the latter to colonize new areas by exploiting the same resources. But major conflicts likely only arise when black vulture populations reach high densities.

Interactions with Humans

The spread of black vultures into New York has increased human interactions with this still unfamiliar species. Here are some of the main ways black vultures intersect with human activity and concerns:

• Black vultures exploit suburban and urban environments, perching and even nesting on cell towers, schools, homes, and other structures.
• Roosting vultures can damage trees and leave behind foul droppings.
• They may prey on pets or small livestock.
• Car and aircraft collisions can occur near roosts.
• Black vultures at carcasses along roadsides are a nuisance.
• Farmers dislike them feeding in livestock pens.
• Their appearance when soaring or roosting can seem ominous.
• On the positive side, they help clean up carrion.

To reduce problems, education about vultures’ ecological roles is important so people know how to properly coexist with them and manage them on their properties. Most issues with black vultures are localized and do not significantly impact their overall population growth across New York.

Legal Status in New York

The black vulture has an unusual legal status in New York due to its history as an uncommon species. Here are some key regulations regarding black vultures:

• Black vultures are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, along with all other native bird species.
• New York State classifies the black vulture as a Threatened species due to its small, vulnerable population in the state.
• This makes it illegal to harass, disturb, or interfere with black vultures in New York.
• However, black vultures also fall under New York’s hunting regulations allowing the take of certain vulture species.
• So the black vulture is simultaneously protected and can be legally hunted in New York depending on the situation.

This contradictory legal status should be resolved as the black vulture becomes more firmly established and widespread in New York. Given its expanding population, the Threatened designation may eventually be dropped from the species.

Efforts to Track and Study Black Vultures in New York

Wildlife agencies, conservation groups, and birding organizations cooperate to track and study black vulture populations in New York:

• The state Department of Environmental Conservation monitors reports of black vultures to track range expansions.
• The New York State Breeding Bird Atlas provides periodic detailed snapshots of the species’ distribution and breeding status.
• Hawk watches such as those at Hawk Mountain record migrating and wintering vultures.
• Breeding Bird Surveys document summer bird populations across the state.
• eBird gathers bird sightings submitted by citizen scientists.
• The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island studies local vulture ecology.
• Banding programs help collect movement data on individual vultures.

There are still knowledge gaps regarding New York’s black vultures, including population sizes, preferred habitat locations, winter movements, and factors driving the range expansion. Continued monitoring and research will reveal more about black vulture ecology and their status in New York.

Future Outlook

Based on their demonstrated spread across New York over the past 40 years, black vultures will likely continue expanding their range and increasing in number across the state in coming decades. Here are some predictions for the future outlook of black vultures in New York:

• Populations will grow and become established year-round across most or all of New York.
• They may adapt to occupy urban environments even more.
• Black vultures will compete more with turkey vultures, potentially displacing them from some habitats.
• More collisions with vehicles and aircraft may occur as their population rises.
• Nuisance issues in suburbs and farms will rise, requiring better management strategies.
• The species may eventually be removed from the state Threatened list.
• Overall populations will likely stabilize at a level similar to southern states like North Carolina.

Increased public awareness and proactive management will allow New Yorkers and black vultures to coexist. But the days of spotting a rare black vulture in the state are likely over, as the species transitions to becoming a regular resident and daily sight.

Conclusion

The black vulture, long an uncommon species in New York, has undergone a dramatic expansion in range and population across the state since the 1980s. From the first pioneering birds on Long Island, the black vulture has spread north and west to inhabit diverse areas from suburbia to wilderness. Though still limited in number compared to other vulture species, the black vulture now appears to be an established year-round resident across much of southeastern and eastern New York. This range expansion will likely continue, bringing both increased interaction with humans and changes to the avian ecosystem as black vultures displace turkey vultures in some areas. With proper management and understanding of the ecological role these unique scavengers play, black vultures can be appreciated as exciting new avian residents in New York and continue their natural colonization of habitats across the state.