The Cathartidae family comprises the New World vultures, a group of large scavenging birds native to the Americas. This family includes condors and several species of vultures that play a crucial ecological role as carrion recyclers, preventing the spread of disease by rapidly consuming dead animals. Unlike Old World vultures (Accipitridae), cathartids evolved convergently and possess unique anatomical and behavioral traits, including an exceptional sense of smell in some species.
Appearance
Cathartids are generally large, broad-winged birds adapted for soaring flight. Common characteristics include long, wide wings; relatively short tails; and bare or sparsely feathered heads that help maintain hygiene while feeding on carrion. Plumage is usually dark brown or black, sometimes with contrasting white patches on the wings. Bills are strong and hooked for tearing flesh, while feet are comparatively weak and more suited to walking than grasping prey.
Diet
Members of the Cathartidae family are primarily scavengers, feeding mainly on carrion. They locate food using keen eyesight and, in species such as the turkey vulture, a highly developed sense of smell capable of detecting decomposing animals beneath forest canopies. Occasionally they may consume eggs, small animals, or decaying plant matter, but carrion forms the overwhelming majority of their diet.
Habitat
Cathartids occupy a wide range of habitats throughout North, Central, and South America, including open grasslands, deserts, forests, wetlands, mountainous regions, and coastal cliffs. Many species prefer open or semi-open landscapes that allow efficient soaring and visual scanning for carcasses. Condors often nest on cliffs or in remote mountainous areas, while smaller vultures may use trees or ground sites.
Behavior
New World vultures are highly adapted for energy-efficient soaring, using thermal updrafts to travel long distances with minimal wing flapping. They are generally social around feeding sites and communal roosts but may forage alone or in loose groups. Cathartids lack the complex vocal organs of many birds and therefore communicate mostly through hisses, grunts, and body language. Defensive behaviors include vomiting partially digested food to deter predators and lighten body weight for rapid takeoff.
