Species Profile
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Turkey Buzzard
Think you've spotted a Turkey Vulture?
Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly
Confirm with a PhotoGallery
Appearance
The Turkey Vulture is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 183 cm. Its body is covered in dark brown to black feathers, with a featherless red head and neck in adults. The underside of its wings appears silvery-gray when in flight.
Juveniles have a dark gray head until about 5 months of age. Both sexes look alike, with no significant seasonal plumage changes. Their ivory-colored bill and pink legs are distinctive features.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Black
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Ivory
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Turkey Vultures are widely distributed across the Americas, from southern Canada to the tip of South America. They inhabit a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts.
In the United States, they are common year-round in southern states and migrate north for breeding. During winter, many northern populations move south to warmer regions, making them a familiar sight across much of North and South America.
Distribution
Diet
Turkey Vultures are primarily scavengers, feeding mainly on carrion. They prefer freshly dead animals and can locate carcasses by smell, a rare ability among birds.
Their diet occasionally includes plant matter, and they may also feed on decaying vegetable matter. They play a crucial role in ecosystem health by disposing of dead animals.
Behaviour
Turkey Vultures are known for their unique flying style, often seen soaring with wings held in a shallow V-shape, rocking side to side. They are highly social, roosting in large groups at night and feeding together on carrion.
These birds have a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food from great distances.
Calls & Sounds
Turkey Vultures are mostly silent birds, lacking a syrinx (voice box). When disturbed or threatened, they may produce a low, raspy hiss or a guttural grunt.
During courtship or when approaching carcasses, they sometimes emit a low, nasal whine. Their quiet nature is unusual for such large birds.
Nesting & Breeding
Turkey Vultures typically form long-term pair bonds. Breeding season varies by location but generally occurs from March to June in North America. They do not build elaborate nests, instead laying eggs directly on the ground in protected areas such as caves, hollow logs, or dense thickets.
Females usually lay two eggs, which are cream-colored with brown or purple spots. Both parents share incubation duties, which last about 38-41 days.
Chicks are altricial, covered in white down at hatching. They fledge after 60-84 days but may remain dependent on their parents for several months.
Conservation
Turkey Vultures are currently listed as Least Concern due to their large range and stable population. However, they face threats from vehicle collisions, lead poisoning from ingesting contaminated carcasses, and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting roosting sites and educating the public about their ecological importance.
Elevation
Sea level to 4,300 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Adult Turkey Vultures have few natural predators. Great Horned Owls and Golden Eagles may occasionally prey on them. Eggs and chicks are vulnerable to raccoons, opossums, and other ground predators.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Turkey Vultures soaring in circles on thermals, especially during midday
- Observe their distinctive V-shaped wing posture when gliding
- Check open areas near roadsides where they may be feeding on carrion
- In the US, watch for them perched on fence posts or dead trees in the early morning
Did You Know?
- Turkey Vultures use their keen sense of smell to locate carrion, detecting odors from over a mile away.
- They have a unique defense mechanism of vomiting semi-digested meat, which deters predators and lightens their load for flight.
- Unlike many birds, Turkey Vultures urinate on their legs to cool off, a process called urohydrosis.
Community Photos
Be the first to share a photo of the Turkey Vulture
Upload a PhotoIdentify Any Bird Instantly
- Upload a photo from your phone or camera
- Get an instant AI identification
- Ask follow-up questions about the bird
Monthly Birds in Your Area
- Personalised for your location
- Seasonal tips and garden advice
- Updated every month with new species