The North American Black Vulture is the northernmost member of the American Black Vultures. Black Vultures range from the southeastern United States all the way down to southern South America. Though a successful species, and a necessary species, most of us look upon these birds in an unfavorable light. Given their preference for eating carrion (which they locate by sight), and the habit of defecating on it's own legs, it's no wonder most of us turn our noses up at these birds! By the way, these birds defecate on their own legs in an effort to cool themselves with the urine and feces!