Cathartes Aura – Turkey Vulture

Distinguishing Features – Sexes similar. Large, broad-winged. Long and rounded tail. Plumage, dark brown except for paler flight feathers. Head, red, small, unfeathered. Longish, hooked yellow bill. Rather short, thick reddish legs. Holds wings in a dihedral angle while soaring and gliding.

  • Size – average: 63.5 – 81 cm
  • (25 – 32 in)

Turkey Vulture

Habitat

The summer range has been restricted primarily to the southwestern areas of the Northwestern Ontario region around the Rainy River. However, the Turkey Vulture’s range has extended further north in recent years.

A large colony is now a common sight at Dog Lake, north of Thunder Bay. They prefer mainly deciduous forests and woodlands but are often seen in open country and lakesides; roost in large congregations in secluded woods.

Nesting

Rock crevice, a hollow tree or in a hollow fallen log without lining.

  • Eggs 1 – 3, white with brown markings.
  • Incubation period about 38 – 41 days.

Notes

The Turkey Vulture can coast for hours, swaying from side to side and riding on rising columns of warm air called thermals, while searching for a food. Wings are held in a V when soaring, unlike eagles which hold their wings straight out.

Turkey Vultures are carrion feeders which they locate by vision or possibly by smell. They are often seen feeding in groups on large items but will eat almost anything.

With the onset of fall, they migrate south to their wintering range in the southern parts of the U.S. or Central America.

Check out our post on more common bird species you could be interested in.