The Cathartidae contains 5 genera and 7 species found in temperate and tropical areas of the Americas, from southern Canada to Chile. New World vultures inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, savanna, deserts and highlands, from sea level up to 5,000 m. Cathartids are generally large, with predominantly black or brown plumage, featherless heads and necks, slightly hooked bills, long and broad wings, suitable for soaring, and clawed, but weak feet. They are scavengers, feeding on carcasses of dead animals, finding carrion with their keen sense of smell. The Cathartidae lay eggs (1 to 3) on bare surfaces in cliff ledges, caves, tree cavities, or the bare ground. Incubation lasts 40- 60 days, and the young fledge in 2 to 6 months, depending on the species.

		American Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
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