Black Vulture

Shot of the day, a gorgeous Black Vulture.
In New Jersey there are two different native vulture species: turkey vultures and black vultures. Because vultures feed by scavenging they can rapidly dispose of decomposing carcasses whereupon they provide nutrient cycling and help in reducing the risk of contamination by disease producing pathogens such as bacteria, virus and fungus.
Vultures will also defecate on their feet in the hot summer months to cool them off. A vulture will also urinate on its legs whereupon the acidic urine kills any bacteria that has built up on the bird from manipulating carrion.
Groups of perched vultures are called a “wake."