| Turkey Vulture | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Cathartiformes |
| Family: | Cathartidae |
| Genus: | Cathartes |
| Species: | Cathartes aura |
The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a member of the family Cathartidae.
Description[]
The Turkey Vulture is a large, dark bird with long, broad wings with visible "fingers" and a long tail that extends past its toes in flight. It is 26-32" (66-80 cm) long and has a wingspan of up to 6 ft (180 cm). They are bigger than many other raptors, but smaller than eagles and condors. The Turkey Vulture has dark brown feathers, a bald red head and a pale bill. While most of its body and wings are dark, the undersides of the flight feathers (along the trailing edge and wingtips) are paler, giving a two-toned appearance. [1]
Behavior[]
Breeding[]
Turkey Vulture in flight.
As a part of pair formation, several birds gather in circle on ground, and perform ritualized hopping movements in a circle with their wings partially spread. In the air, one bird may closely follow another, the two birds flapping and diving. Turkey Vultures nest in sheltered areas, such as hollow trees or logs, crevices, cliffs, rocks cave, thickets or old buildings, and they do not build their own nests. 1-3 whitish eggs blotched with brown and lavender are laid on debris or on flat bottom of the nest site. Incubation is done by both parents for about 40 days. One parent remains with young much of time at first. Both parents feed the young through regurgitation. If the young are approached by in the nest, they defend themselves by hissing and regurgitating. The young fledge at the age of 9-10 weeks.
Feeding[]
Unlike most birds, it has a well-developed sense of smell, which is used to locate carrion. The Turkey Vulture mainly eats snakes, but sometimes it also eats decaying vegetable matter, live insects, and live fish. [2]
Distribution and habitat[]
The Turkey Vulture is found across most of the US and in parts of southern Canada, with its range expanding northward. It is common in dry, open country, woodlands and farmlands. Birds that breed in the north are migratory, wintering in the southern US, Mexico, Central America and South America.
Gallery[]
