black vulture

noun

1. Also called carrion crow. an American vulture, Coragyps atratus, having a black, bald head and black plumage.
2. any of several Old World vultures, especially Aegypius monachus, of southern Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black vulture¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

The California condor, a great black vulture-like bird, is almost extinct, and is only found in the highest mountains.

From Project Gutenberg

When young it is nearly black, and indeed has been treated as a separate species under the name of Black Vulture.

From Project Gutenberg

At night I dreamed of a hideous black vulture that preyed on my liver; and became very melancholy.

From Project Gutenberg

The turkey-buzzard (Cathartes ora) is similar in its habits to the black vulture, and is frequently mistaken for it.

From Project Gutenberg

Over the palm-trees' feathery crests sailed a black vulture, its palmated wing-tips spread like inky fingers against the blue.

From Project Gutenberg