Difference in 2 Black Vultures - Florida (1 Viewer)

[adubin]

I recently took 2 Black Vultures one in front of the other and notice a difference in black texture around the their head. I know there isn't a difference between the male and female, so can somebody tell me what causes this difference in the texture around their heads? Is it related to the maturity of the Black Vulture? Thanks, ADubin

 

[JeffMoh]

I believe the bird in the foreground is a juvenile. At least, that's how it seems to be according to Sibley.
Jeff
www.jeffincypress.blogspot.com

 

[Peter C.]

ADubin,

This is an age difference that you're seeing. The bird on the right, with the feathers surrounding the face, is a hatch-year bird, and the bird on the left is more adult. Black Vultures lose some of the head feathers after their first year.

 

[adubin]

Jeff and Peter, Thanks for getting back to me on the difference between the two Black Vultures. ADubin