Description: The
Turkey Vulture is a large bird
(about 28 inches in length), mostly
dark gray, black, or brown, with
a featherless reddish head (gray
in immatures), and small, white
bill. They are most often seen
soaring above farmlands, open woodlands,
or highways, in the characteristic "V" shape.
The Turkey Vulture has a wingspan
of up to six feet in length and
shows silvery, gray outer wing
feathers in contrast to its dark
body, shoulders, and tail. Turkey
Vultures are graceful fliers and
often ride thermals for hours without
flapping.
Diet: Turkey
Vultures travel great distances
in search of carrion. They use
their powerful sense of smell to
locate dead animals. The part of
the brain responsible for smell
is particularly large in the Turkey
Vulture compared to other animals.
Range/Habitat: Turkey
Vultures are found throughout most
of North and South America. They
are most often found in open or
semi-open areas, but will turn
up virtually anywhere there is
carrion. Some birds will migrate
from northern locales during the
fall. Turkey Vultures are often
observed in the early morning roosting
on a communal perch such as a dead
tree or electrical tower.
Nesting: The
nest site of the Turkey Vulture
is usually hidden away on a cliff,
cave, thicket, or abandoned farmhouse
or building. Adult birds do not
actually build a nest. The female
lays two eggs that hatch after
about 40 days. Both parents incubate
the young and feed them regurgitated
food.
