Archive for 'Cathartidae'

King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

Imagine the world without vultures! Most see vultures as dirty and unpleasant, but the fact is that without them decaying flesh of all species would contaminate their surroundings and ground water with countless diseases. Humans are far less efficient in dealing with this, than vultures. Yet humanity has failed them in a profound way, perhaps […]

King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

King vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)

Imagine the world without vultures! Most see vultures as dirty and unpleasant, but the fact is that without them decaying flesh of all species would contaminate their surroundings and ground water with countless diseases. Humans are far less efficient in dealing with this, than vultures. Yet humanity has failed them in a profound way, perhaps […]

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)

There are two prominent species of birds around Iguaçu Falls, one being the common black vulture. You’ll see it in groups lounging in treetops, or simply surfing the thermals to check for easy pickings. It sounds like this:

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

As I’m sitting on the edge of the sheer cliff to cool off in the strong updrafts, this juvenile was checking me out a couple of times. Usually you only see them soar high above, but this is sufficiently high for many of the local vulturs to be level with you during their many “patrols”. […]