Adult: Black with white primaries. Head is gray-black, lacks feathers. Grayish-white bill. Tail is short and feet extend behind it in flight. Wings are shorter than Turkey Vulture and flap rapidly more often in soaring flight. Forms shallow dihedral (V-shape) in flight and maintains a steady balance in air currents. 

Immature: Like adult, except that bill is dark and black head is downy.

Habitat: Open country, woodlands and thickets. Sometimes congregates on a favorite rooftop.

A Florida resident. 

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.