Vultures

A large, dark shape slowly circles in the air high above a dead deer lying in a field. With barely a flap of its great wings, the bird lands on the carcass and tear into the meat with its bill. Vultures are scavengers that feed primarily on the flesh of dead animals or carrion. Some species have an exceptional sense of smell to aid their search for food, while other species depend on their keen eyesight. Sharp, hooked bills allow vultures to pick a carcass clean, and many species lack feathers on their heads because the feather would be easily soiled during feeding.

Vultures are found in open areas ranging from desert to savannas to forests. They also live in urban areas, scavenging at open markets and garbage dumps. The smallest vulture is the black vulture, with a wingspan of about 60 inches. The Andean condor is the largest, with a wingspan that can reach 10 feet.