Conspecific nest destruction by black vulture (Coragyps atratus)

Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are increasing in number and distribution. These birds rely heavily on man-made structures for nesting and are appearing to adapt to nesting within more urbanized areas. Black vultures are solitary breeders, yet gregarious with conspecifics outside of their nest sites. The sociality of these birds likely allows information on nest sites to be acquired by conspecifics. Here, we report on the first documentation of conspecific nest destruction by black vulture, an event that occurred in May-June 2022 in Mississippi, USA. This nest destruction was photographed over a 2-week period through a game camera set within the nest chamber. As black vulture populations continue to increase, and as potential nest sites for these birds may become limited, we anticipate higher incidence to conspecific nest destruction, and nest usurpation among black vulture throughout their range.

Automated summary

This article reports on the first documented case of black vultures destroying conspecific nest sites and predicts an increase in nest destruction and usurpation as black vulture populations continue to grow.