When God created the world, everything was perfect (Genesis 1). There was no suffering, sickness, carnivory, pain, or death. When man sinned against God (Genesis 3), the world was cursed by God. The need for scavengers, like the black vulture, arose as the results of sin and death entered the world. Black vultures serve as an important cleanup crew by removing decaying animals that can harbor diseases in a fallen world. One day, creation will be healed and restored to its perfect condition, and the curse will be removed from the universe (Isaiah 11:6–8).

Fun Facts

They will regurgitate partially digested food when startled to discourage their predators.

Groups of black vultures have different names. When resting, they are a committee; when flying, they are a kettle; when feeding, they are a wake.

They are commonly called “buzzards,” but true buzzards are actually a type of hawk.

Black vultures lack a syrinx, so they produce only grunts or hisses.

Black vultures are the most numerous vulture in the Western Hemisphere, despite being outnumbered by turkey vultures in the US.