Coragyps atratus (BECHSTEIN, 1793)

Abstract

Coragyps atratus is a species of New World vulture belonging to the Cathartiformes order. Its geographical distribution comprises urban areas from the South of North America, Central America, and South America to Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. This species is increasingly adapted to live close to human concentrations, benefiting from the food supply due to the incorrect disposal of organic waste, therefore, these factors contributed to the population increase. C. atratus are common near urban areas and can lead to several problems, such as damage to urban architecture, including historic buildings. However, C. atratus provides invaluable ecosystem services, increasing the flow of nutrients through food chains and reducing the transmission of infectious diseases through carcass removal. C. atratus uses a mosaic of habitat types to build its nests, even in urban environments. We describe here an unconventional case of nesting by C. atratus in a building in an urban area in the municipality of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.