GENERAL INFORMATION

Vultures, also known as buzzards, are scavenging birds which feed on the remains of dead animals. Two species of vultures are found in North Carolina, the Turkey Vulture, Cathartesaura, and the Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus. The black vulture is more common in eastern North Carolina while the turkey vulture is more common in the mountains and the Piedmont.

DESCRIPTION

The turkey vulture is a very large bird, brownish-black in coloration. The head is bare of feathers and is colored red on adult birds and black in immatures. The beak is long and pinkish-red with a tan tip. The feet are rather weak with blunt talons. They are easily identified in flight by their dark color and large size. As they soar and circle overhead they also hold their wings in a slight V. From underneath, the leading edge of the turkey vulture's wings appear dark and the trailing edge light in color. Turkey vultures range in length from 25 to 32 inches with a wingspan of up to 6 feet. Because of their large size, vultures are sometimes mistaken for eagles when seen from a distance.

HABITS AND HABITATS

Turkey vultures are commonly found throughout North Carolina in a variety of habitats. They are often seen soaring overhead as they scan the ground for potential food. Turkey vultures may travel alone but are usually found in groups. They feed primarily on dead animals and can often be observed along highways where animals have been hit by cars. They locate their food both by scent, an unusual adaptation since most birds have a poorly developed sense of smell, and by sight. Vultures will feed on just about any dead carcass, even those that have begun to rot. The bare head, devoid of feathers, is an interesting adaptation for an animal that is constantly sticking its head inside the bodies of dead animals. Close examination of the nasal openings in the beak will reveal another adaptation for feeding. The nostrils are extremely wide and open from one side of the bill straight across to the other side. Another adaptation is a little harder to appreciate. When vultures are cornered or threatened, they have the ability to regurgitate the contents of their stomach, a repulsive habit that is very effective in frightening away an attacker. It is not known whether this is simply an act to thwart an enemy or a way to lighten the bird's load so that it can fly away faster. Turkey vultures breed in remote wooded areas. Eggs are laid usually in early April although earlier nesting has been reported. The nest may be in a tree cavity, a cave, or on a rocky ledge. Very little attempt is made to build an actual nest however. The eggs are white with brown and purplish markings. Incubation takes a little more than four weeks. The young birds begin to leave the nest at around 10 to 11 weeks of age. Like the adults, young birds in the nest can regurgitate their stomach contents when they are threatened with danger. Although vultures are permanent year-round residents in North Carolina, they are migratory. During the fall and winter months, turkey vultures from northern locations are often seen migrating through our area.

HISTORY

Vultures have long been perceived as loathsome creatures because of their repulsive feeding habits. We now know however the important role these scavenging birds fulfill by "cleaning up" dead animals from our forests and fields. Vultures are also protected fully by state and federal laws. It is illegal to kill, injure or possess one of these birds. A recent development in the classification of birds may also change the way that we perceive the vulture. For years, vultures have been classified as birds of prey along with hawks, owls, and eagles. In 1994, due to recent DNA analysis and other studies on anatomy, physiology, behavior, and cellular biology, vultures have been reclassified and placed in the stork family.

MEET OUR TURKEY VULTURES

The Nature Center has two vultures which live in our outdoor bird of prey habitat. One is a turkey vulture and the other is a black vulture. Both birds are considered to be unreleaseable. Our turkey vulture, identified by its red head, was found on a roadside near Hendersonville, NC in 1990. It was weak, emaciated and suffering from a wing injury.

INFORMATION LINKS

Birder.com
National Audubon Society

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©2002 WNC Nature Center