Hi, friends who love birds! Have you ever wondered where those magnificent Turkey Vultures go during the winter? Do they leave for a sun-filled vacation down south, or do they stay put and brave the cold? Well, strap in, because I’m going to take you on an adventure to learn the truth about Turkey Vulture migration.
The Turkey Vulture: A Master of Adaptation
These incredible birds, with their impressive wingspans and keen sense of smell, are true masters of adaptation. They thrive in a variety of habitats, from soaring high above mountain peaks to scavenging in the depths of forests. But when winter’s icy grip tightens, their survival instincts kick in, leading them to make some fascinating choices.
Northern Nomads vs. Southern Staycationers
The Turkey Vulture world is divided into two distinct groups: the northern nomads and the southern staycationers. Northern populations, residing in areas with harsher winters, are highly migratory. They embark on epic journeys southward, seeking warmer climates and abundant food sources.
The Great Leap-Frog Migration
During their migration, northern Turkey Vultures engage in a fascinating phenomenon known as “leap-frog migration.” This means that they winter farther south than their southern counterparts, essentially leapfrogging over them It’s like a giant game of avian hopscotch, with the northern birds always staying ahead of the pack
Southern Sedentary Lifestyle
Southern Turkey Vultures, on the other hand, lead a more relaxed lifestyle. With milder winters and a steady food supply, they have less need to migrate. They tend to be sedentary, remaining in their home territories year-round.
Factors Influencing Migration
So, what factors influence whether a Turkey Vulture migrates or not? The primary driver is food availability. During winter, food sources in northern regions become scarce, forcing the birds to seek greener pastures. Additionally, harsh weather conditions can make it difficult for them to survive.
The Journey South: A Spectacle of Nature
The southward migration of Turkey Vultures is a sight to behold. Thousands of these magnificent birds soar through the skies, creating an unforgettable spectacle. They frequently move in big groups, creating stunning V-formations that gracefully and precisely slice through the air.
The Turkey Vulture’s migration patterns are a testament to their adaptability and resilience. Northern populations, driven by the need for food and survival, embark on epic journeys, while southern birds enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. Whether they’re soaring high above the clouds or scavenging in the undergrowth, these remarkable birds continue to fascinate and inspire us with their unique behaviors and ecological importance.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re lucky enough to witness a Turkey Vulture migration, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder of nature. These incredible birds are a reminder of the interconnectedness of life and the importance of protecting our avian friends.
Happy birdwatching!
General InformationTurkey vultures are often referred to by the misnomer “buzzard.” Buzzard is what Europeans called hawks and when early Europeans began to settle in the US, they thought the large birds they saw flying were hawks and called them “buzzards.” This misnomer stuck and still today some people refer to vultures as “buzzards.” Many turkey vultures live in Ohio during the winter but most migrate as far south as South America. Turkey vultures can be found in almost any habitat and are frequently found in groups soaring high above the trees, with their wings outstretched in a “V” shape. Buzzard Day is a tradition celebrated in Hinckley, Ohio each year. According to legend, there was a great Hinckley hunt in the early 1800s where hunters left behind many butchered carcasses and unwanted game. This attracted hundreds of turkey vultures to the area. Legend has it that every spring, hundreds of turkey vultures come back to Hinckley looking for that same large feast they once had many years ago.
Gandalf and Vinnie, two turkey vultures, live at the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center.
Life SpanWild: 8-12 years Captivity: 25-30 years
- Turkey vultures are fond of carrion, but they will not eat anything that has been rotting for a long time. They prefer carcasses that are less than 24 hours old.
- Turkey vultures, as with all birds, have no sweat glands. One way they regulate their body temperature when they’re hot is to urinate down their legs. Urine evaporates and cools people in a manner similar to how sweat does.
- Turkey vulture feet are more like chicken feet than the powerful feet of hawks or owls. They can defend themselves and rip apart prey thanks to their incredibly sharp beaks. Another mechanism of defense they use is vomiting. A turkey vulture will frequently vomit when a predator gets too close; the scent of the vomited carrion dissuades the predator.
- Turkey vultures mostly eat mammals, but they can also eat other birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
Thousands of Turkey vultures migrate south for winter
FAQ
What month do turkey vultures migrate?
Do turkey vultures migrate in the fall?
Why are turkey vultures hanging around my house?
Do turkey vultures nest in the same place every year?
Are turkey vultures migratory?
Turkey vultures usually migrate in small groups that are often known as kettles. In the fall when the birds are migrating south, they can become concentrated where the landmass narrows in central America, creating high densities of individuals numbering in the thousands. Are all turkey vultures migratory?
Where do turkey vultures spend the winter?
Migratory turkey vultures from the western United States spend the winter in Central and South America. Turkey vultures that migrate from the northeast do not migrate quite as far, traveling south to overwinter in Arkansas, Virginia, Kentucky, and further to the southeast.
Where do turkey vultures live?
The turkey vulture ( Cathartes aura ), or turkey buzzard, is a familiar sight across much of North America. They breed as far north as Southern Canada and range all the way to the southern tip of South America. These birds are often seen rocking from side to side as they soar effortlessly while looking for a meal.
What is a turkey vulture?
A familiar sight in the sky over much of North America is the dark, long-winged form of the Turkey Vulture, soaring high over the landscape. Most birds are believed to have a very poor sense of