Named for its bald, reddish head that resembles a turkey’s, this large, dark-feathered scavenger is an essential part of the ecosystem, quietly performing the dirty but vital job of cleaning up carrion. From the forests of Canada to the tip of South America, the turkey vulture can be seen gliding gracefully in wide circles, wings held in a shallow “V,” as it rides warm air currents in search of its next meal. Despite its ominous appearance, this bird is a peaceful, non-aggressive creature and plays a key role in controlling disease by disposing of dead animals.
What makes the turkey vulture especially unique is its incredible sense of smell—one of the best among all birds. While most birds rely almost entirely on sight to find food, the turkey vulture can detect the scent of rotting flesh from up to a mile away. This extraordinary ability helps it find hidden carcasses under dense forest canopies or in remote areas where other scavengers might miss them. Its nostrils are open all the way through, creating an efficient airflow that enhances its smell-detecting power. Because of this, turkey vultures are often the first scavengers to arrive at a dead animal, quickly followed by other species like black vultures, which often watch and follow them.
Turkey vultures defecate on their own legs to cool off and kill bacteria—a behavior called urohidrosis. They also have few natural predators, thanks to their ability to vomit foul-smelling, semi-digested food at would-be attackers as a defense. Despite their appearance, they are highly social, often roosting in large communal groups and even engaging in playful flight behavior. Their nests are simple—often just a hollow log, cave, or abandoned building—and the young are fed by regurgitation until they can fly.
Distribution
Argentina
Aruba
Bahamas
Belize
Bermuda
Bolivia
Brazil
Canada
Cayman Islands
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
El Salvador
Falkland Islands
French Guiana
Guatemala
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Puerto Rico
South Georgia
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos
US Virgin Islands
United States
Uruguay
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
