With its wingspan of almost three metres it is one of the largest birds in Eurasia. It has dark brown, almost black, plumage and nests in large trees on the slopes of undisturbed mountains. It has a very strong bill, able to tear the tough hides of mules or cattle. They are the dominant carrion-feeder and will displace Griffon and Egyptian Vultures and Ravens, which will then have to wait until the Black Vulture has finished feeding or becomes distracted before being able to feed.