Birds of Prey

Turkey Vulture

Latin name: Cathartes aura (means cleanser or golden purifier)
Weight: 3 ½ to 5 pounds
Wingspan: 5-6 feet
Life expectancy: 10 years

Habitat and Distribution: Turkey Vultures are adapted to a wide variety of habitats including desert, savannahs, and forests. They are widespread across the U.S.

Diet: Carrion (the carcass of a dead animal)

Status: No special status.

Personal Biography: The New Canaan Nature Center acquired its current Turkey Vulture January 11, 2004 from a local wildlife rehabilitator. The Turkey Vulture was born in the spring of 2003 and still had its juvenile plumage, a feathered head. The Vulture now has it's mature plumage (naked head) by spring of 2005. An injury to his right wing necessitated the amputation of part of that wing. The Vulture can no longer fly so therefore can not be released back to the wild.

Facts: North America has 3 types of vultures: the California condor, the black vulture and the turkey vulture. The most common vulture seen in New England is the Turkey Vulture, although occasionally you may see a Black Vulture. Vultures are in the same Order as storks and flamingos (Ciconiiformes) and are not related to hawks and owls, therefore are not considered to be "Birds of Prey". They have weak claws and beak muscles which inhibits them from killing and tearing into fresh flesh.

While most birds lack a sense of smell the Turkey Vulture has a very acute sense of smell and can detect in the parts per trillion an odor in the air and from what direction it is coming. Because they eat dead rotting carcasses, their digestive system kills viruses and bacteria in the meat that they eat, including, anthrax, cholera and botulism. The dry pellets that they regurgitate are called bolus and do not carry disease.

Turkey Vultures have a 6 foot wing span and can ride thermal drafts for hours. While they look large and clumsy on the ground, Turkey Vultures are extremely graceful in the air and are more effective at riding warm air currents (thermals) than the Buteos (hawks).

Turkey Vultures have an interesting way of defending themselves by projecting vomit which is very foul smelling. They will also sometimes play dead. Turkey Vultures also have a unique way of cooling themselves; they defecate on their legs. Although they are scavengers and eat things that we find offensive, Turkey Vultures are clean birds and spend several hours a day preening themselves. They are communal birds and can communicate over fairly large distances to other individuals that food has been found. However, very little is known as to how this is achieved.

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You can help support the care of our live animal collection by participating in our Sponsor an Animal program. Your financial supports help to cover the cost of medications, food and personal care, as well as proper housing and upkeep of the animal enclosures. Because each animal's needs are different, the cost of sponsorship varies. For information about animals which are currently available for sponsorship e-mail Melanie Pearson, Director of Animal Care or call (203)-966-9577 x 44 .