Hobbies And Interests
Physical Appearance
Common black-hawks and vultures are similar in size. Black-hawks average 21 inches in length with wingspans of 50 inches on average, while vultures typically have a length of 19 to 27 inches and a wingspan of 53 to 59 inches. The head, body and wings of an adult black-hawk are coal black; immature black-hawks are brown in coloration. Vultures are also black except for bare, wrinkled skin of the neck which turns brown as the bird reaches adulthood.
Habitat
Black-hawks live in lowland areas near sources of water, where they hunt crabs, crayfish and other aquatic species. They often live in forests and areas with dense vegetation, where they roost and nest in trees. In contrast, vultures prefer open areas such as deserts, savanna or grasslands and avoid densely vegetated areas. Unlike black-hawks, they can also be found in urban and suburban areas such as garbage dumps and sewers.
Feeding Habits
Black-hawks feed on a variety of smaller animals, most often aquatic animals such as fish, crayfish and crabs. They also feed on nonvenomous snakes, frogs and young birds. They may feed on insects such as grasshoppers to supplement their diets. Vultures feed on a variety of food sources but they are primarily carrion birds, meaning they eat dead animals. Groups of vultures sometimes attack large livestock such as cows and pigs, killing them and eating them.
Reproduction
The black-hawk breeding season lasts from late February to late May, with females laying eggs in nests typically built about 50 to 100 feet above ground and near a permanent source of flowing water. Vultures are monogamous breeders, with females laying only one set of eggs in each breeding season. They do not actually build a nest, instead laying eggs directly on the ground at an existing site. Common nest sites include dark recesses such as caves, stumps, abandoned buildings, hollow logs and brush piles.