Turkey Vulture Facts

The turkey vulture, also known as the turkey buzzard, is a bird of prey with a unique red head. There are many interesting things you’ll want to know about this commonly seen vulture species. So here are the most amazing turkey vulture facts.

The Turkey Vulture Has An Exceptional Sense Of Smell

While many vulture species strictly use their vision to locate food, the turkey vulture relies mainly on its sense of smell. Its olfactory system is the largest of any bird. The turkey vulture relies on its keen sense of smell to help it detect the gas produced by decaying animals which helps to lead it to its next meal. This species also has excellent vision as well.

Turkey Vultures Are Surprisingly Light In Weight

One of the most surprising facts about turkey vultures is just how little they weigh compared to their size. Despite typically having a wingspan of six feet and standing around two and a half feet tall, turkey vultures usually only weigh about four pounds at most. Their wide wingspan and light body allow them to save energy as they soar on thermal currents, rarely needing to flap their wings.

They’re Bald For An Important Reason

Similar to most other vulture species the turkey vulture has a bald head. Having a head with no feathers is important for a bird that feeds on rotting animals. It helps to prevent the carrion along with bacteria and parasites from sticking to it. Scientists also believe it may help to keep them cool.

The Turkey Vulture Is A New World Vulture

The turkey vulture is a member of the New World vultures. This group also includes species such as the black vulture, California condor, and king vulture along with several others. New World vultures are only found in the western hemisphere, have a good sense of smell, and are predominantly black or brown in color.

The Turkey Vulture Is A Scavenger

The turkey vulture diet consists mainly of the decaying flesh of dead animals (carrion), although it does prefer its food to be fresh, having died recently. In fact, they may not eat carcasses that are very rotten. On occasion, they do eat live prey such as invertebrates and small animals.

The Turkey Vulture Head Is Similar To That Of A Turkey

One of turkey vulture fun facts many people want to know about is how this species got its name. And the answer is from the look of its head and plumage. Its bald red head and dark plumage resemble that of a turkey. While adults have a read head, the head of juvenile turkey vultures is gray.

It’s The Most Widespread Vulture Species In The Americas

The turkey vulture has the widest range of any vulture in the New World. Its range extends all the way from southern Canada to the southernmost part of South America.

There Are Five Sub-species Of Turkey Vulture

The 5 sub-species include the Chilean turkey vulture, the Eastern turkey vulture, the Western turkey vulture, and the tropical turkey vulture. A sixth sub-species, C.a.falklandicus, is sometimes included as well. The different subspecies can be distinguished from each other by the intensity of the coloring on their heads.

They Stomp When They’re Nervous

When turkey vultures are in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable they sometimes stomp one of their feet. For instance, if disturbed in their roost during the nighttime they may stomp on a branch.  When landing near an animal that they thought was dead but turns out to still be alive they may stomp on the ground.

Turkey Vultures Are Very Private Birds

One of the lesser-known turkey vulture facts is that these birds are quite private. While many people have seen a turkey vulture in flight from a distance, they are actually very careful not to be seen up close. This makes it difficult to observe their habits. Much of what we know about them comes from observing birds in captivity.

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