Species of the Month Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Jearu

Turkey Vulture A large dark bird with long, broad wings Adults have a red head Feathers protrude at the wingtips, and while soaring, vultures hold their wings raised, making a slight “V” Larger than other raptors Ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America Can be found in the Plan Area year round Large dark bird with long, broad wings- can have up to a 6 foot wingspan. They use their large wings to ride thermals high into the air. Adults have a bright red head. Head is without feathers, this is because they eat carrion and often dive their heads into their food. The lack of feathers helps them stay clean and free of infection. Feathers protrude at the wingtips and while soaring vultures hold their wings raised, making a slight ‘V” Larger than other raptors, except eagles and condors. Unlike other birds of prey, vultures do not have strong talons for catching and holding prey. Instead of catching their own prey vulture are scavengers. Ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America Can be found in the Plan Area year round- In the winter we get an influx of vultures as migratory birds move south. Photo: Luke Seitz

Turkey Vulture Vultures serve an important part in the ecosystem Vultures have increased in population since the 1960s. Vultures find carrion by sight and smell Wintering vultures will often form large roosting colonies Vultures nest on cliffs 1-3 eggs are laid Nesting sites are remote Serve an important ecological function. Turkey vultures are scavengers and eat carrion. Prevent the spread of dieses by disposing of carrion. The world would be a stinky place without scavengers! Vulture have increased in population since the 1960s.- Lead shot is a concern for this species as they can ingest lead from carcasses and that can lead to health issues. Vultures were also once persecuted because people thought they spread disease. However as I mentioned before vultures actually help to lower the prevalence of disease. Find carrion by sight and smell Wintering vulture will often form large roosting colonies Will projectile vomit when threatened, they have no natural predators Nest on cliffs. Will also nest in the abandoned nest of other raptors, tree cavities, animal burrows, and small caves. 1-3 eggs, incubate for 28-40 days Although vultures can be seen foraging near human in habitation they prefer to nest far away from civilization. There are two known nesting sites within the MSHCP conservation area that are monitored. Nest can be difficult to locate. Vultures fly very high and area hard to track. There has been radio telemetry of vultures and this can help scientists find nesting sites.

Monitoring and Management Conserve and maintain open habitat for foraging Include within the MSHCP conservation area known nesting sites Monitor known nesting sites Include in the MSCHP conservation area cliff sites which provide nesting habitat Conserve and maintain open habitat for foraging Include within the MSHCP conservation area known nesting sites Monitoring known nesting sites Include in the MSCHP conservation area cliff sites which provide nesting habitat

Thank You Steven Mcsweeny