urubu

Urubu is the common name in Brazilian Portuguese for vultures of the New World family Cathartidae. The term is used to refer to several species of large scavenging birds, most notably the black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), as well as other vultures found across the Americas. In everyday usage, urubu can denote both individual species and vultures in general.

Physically, urubus are large birds with broad wings and, in many species, featherless or partly featherless heads that help keep clean while probing carrion. They are primarily scavengers, feeding on dead animals rather than hunting live prey. The turkey vulture is known for its relatively good sense of smell, which aids in locating carcasses, while the black vulture relies more on visual cues. Their flight is typically buoyant and sustained, often riding thermals to cover large distances in search of food.

Distribution and habitat cover most of the Americas. In Brazil and other tropical and subtropical regions, urubus are common in open landscapes such as savannas, fields, forest edges, and even urban areas. They perform an important ecological role by disposing of carrion, which helps limit disease spread and recycle nutrients.

Reproduction involves nesting in trees or on cliffs, with typically one to two eggs per brood. Both parents participate in incubation and chick rearing. While widespread populations are generally stable, some regional species face threats from habitat loss, poisoning, power-line collisions, and persecution, which can affect local numbers.

In summary, urubu refers to New World vultures in Portuguese discourse, emphasizing their scavenging lifestyle and ecological importance within the Americas.