Turkey Vulture

COMMON NAME: Turkey Vulture

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cathartes aura

PLEASE NOTE:
The turkey vulture is included here, although it is not technically classified as a raptor. 

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS:
Wingspan 6 feet; length, 27 inches. Brownish/black body, the featherless head is black in immature birds, red in adults. Wings are held in a V when soaring unlike eagles which hold their wings straight out. Birds rock or appear unsteady in flight.

RANGE:
Southern Canada through South America. In Minnesota it nests along the St. Croix, Mississippi and associated river valleys, as well as in the north central part of the state. It migrates to the southern U.S. in the winter.

HABITAT:
Open country, roosts in large congregations in secluded woods.

NESTING:
Usually on the ground under cover, sometimes in caves. Lays 2 eggs.

FEEDING HABITS:
Turkey vultures feed on carrion, which they locate by smell or possibly vision. They are often seen feeding in groups on large items but will eat almost anything.

RAPTOR CENTER DATA:
The turkey vulture is not a common patient, nor a popular one. In spite of having weak feet vultures have sharp beaks and will regurgitate their last meal as a defense mechanism.

CONSERVATION STATUS:
Considered common in its range, this bird is afforded no special conservation status.