Black vulture (Coragyps atratus), Big Cypress National Preserve, 2015.

Like other scavengers, the black vulture feeds on carrion; however, this cunning animal will also eat eggs or even kill newborn animals for food. It has keen eyesight and, just like other New World vultures, possesses a keen sense of smell which it uses to find meals. It lacks a syrinx, which is the vocal organ of birds. So, you will only hear the black vulture grunt or make a low hiss. The common name for a vulture is derived from the Latin 'vulturus', meaning 'tearer', in reference to its feeding habits. The black vulture's species name 'atratus' is also derived from the Latin 'ater' meaning "clothed in black".