Turkey vulture

INTRODUCTION

Turkey Vultures are, in my opinion the most highly developed of the New World Vultures, with an exceedingly sensitive sense of smell. They are ‘first on the scene’ at carcasses, even in the rainforest. Many other scavengers watch the Turkey Vulture so that they too can swarm in on the gruesome bounty. Our pair of Turkey Vultures were both hand reared, which sadly may preclude them from breeding together. Baldric & Farnham have both been trained for displays. However, as they seem a delightful pair, we decided to ‘give them a go’. At first they pointedly ignored one another, then they fought and now they often sit happily together!

GALLERY

FAST FACTS

Scientific Name:

Cathartes aura

Status:

Least concern

Size:

Up to 1800mm wingspan

Weight:

900g to 2000g

Life Span in Wild:

16yrs

Habitat:

Tropical rainforests and scrubland

Diet:

Scavenger

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ME

What Do I Eat?

Carrion

Where Do I Live?

Southern part of North America, central & South America to the Tierra del Fuego.

How Do I Live?

Diurnal

Do I have Any Predators?

Lead based poisons and in the past DDT pesticides.