Gaucho
Black Vulture Ambassador
Male
2014 / Juvenile
Imprinted
About Gaucho
Gaucho had been hanging out for over a month in his rescuer’s backyard. He would not leave their yard and had no fear of the people. During his medical intake, he was determined to have no injuries to preclude his release. However, his obvious lack of fear of people indicated that he was habituated and non-releasable.
Description
Black Vultures have black plumage with white wing tips underneath, a bare black head, and black feet.
Habitat
Black Vultures prefer open areas within forested landscapes. They typically nest and roost in wooded areas and soar above open areas to seek their food.
Range
Black Vultures are found in the southern and eastern United States and Mexico, as well as Central and South America.
Life Span
Black Vulture’s average life span is 10 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity. The oldest known banded Black Vulture on record was at least 25 years, 6 months old.
Prey / Food
An aerial scavenger, the Black Vulture feeds on dead mammals ranging from mice to cattle.
Babies / Nests
Black vultures do not build nests. Nesting sites include rock outcrops, fallen trees, cliffs, and hollow logs. Black vultures lay 1 – 3 eggs in a clutch. The eggs hatch in about 38 – 39 days. Juveniles fledge (learn to fly) in about 70 – 98 days.
Native American Folklore
Vulture, spirit animal, is known for his incredible stamina and energy. He can soar high into the sky on warm thermals for days searching for food.
In Native cultures Vulture has long been associated with the concept of death and rebirth. They are seen as powerful symbols of transformation. Vulture’s scavenging behavior is considered cleansing and healing, as they help to maintain a healthy balance of our natural world. Vulture reminds us that even in the face of death, there is always the potential for renewal and growth.
Vulture is a healer. Navajo Hatalii (traditional healers) use the beak of a vulture in a healing ceremony in which they place the beak in one hand and move it over the patient in a pecking motion, mimicking a feeding vulture. Vulture is known for removing foulness and disease from the earth when he feeds on dead animals (carcasses). Utilizing this trait/belief the Hatalii uses the Vulture beak to remove illness, disease and bad spirits from his patient, thus restoring harmony to his/her world.
Navajo sand paintings are created for healing purposes. Many of them contain images of Yeibichai (the Holy People). While creating a sand painting, the Hatalii will chant, asking the Yeibichai to come into the painting and help heal the patient. A Vulture beak is used to trace images in the process of creating the sand paintings used in healing ceremonies by Hatalii, thus cleansing the painting of any bad spirits before the ceremony begins.
This Seneca story warns of the dangers of vanity. Vulture is sent to give a message to the creator and gets so excited he forgets to be humble. The creator gives him first pick of all the bird garments but keeps tossing the outfits to other birds claiming they are not right for him. Finally, the only outfit left is an ill-fitting black suit.
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