Turkey Vulture in flight #1
by Flees Photos
Title
Turkey Vulture in flight #1
Artist
Flees Photos
Medium
Photograph - Photograph Giclee And Home Decor
Description
This is an image of a Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) flying over some pine trees. Vultures are drawn to carrion and other such foodstuffs. They purify the land but are rather ugly looking. At first glance and at close range they have a head that resembles that of a turkey but make no mistake they are no turkey.
facts about Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura):
Appearance: Turkey Vultures are large birds with a wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) and a body length of approximately 25 to 32 inches (64 to 81 centimeters). They have a distinctive appearance with dark brown to black feathers, a featherless red head, and a pale yellow or ivory beak. Their long wings are held in a slight V-shape when soaring.
Distribution: Turkey Vultures are native to the Americas and can be found throughout North, Central, and South America. They are a highly adaptable species and can inhabit various habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas.
Diet and Feeding: Turkey Vultures are scavengers and feed primarily on carrion (dead animals). They have an incredible sense of smell, which allows them to locate decaying flesh from great distances. Unlike other vulture species, Turkey Vultures rely heavily on their sense of smell rather than sight to find food. They use their sharp beaks to tear open carcasses and feed on the soft tissue.
Flight and Soaring: Turkey Vultures are known for their impressive soaring abilities. They have broad wings and take advantage of thermals, rising columns of warm air, to gain altitude without flapping their wings. Soaring helps them cover large distances efficiently while conserving energy. They often fly in a dihedral shape, with their wings held in a shallow V.
Social Behavior: Turkey Vultures are typically seen in small groups when foraging or roosting, and they may also congregate at communal roost sites. While they are not highly territorial, they can become aggressive toward other vultures if resources are limited.
Reproduction: Turkey Vultures form monogamous pairs during the breeding season. They build simple nests on the ground or in secluded spots, such as caves or hollow logs. Females typically lay 1 to 3 eggs, which both parents take turns incubating for about a month. The chicks are born featherless and rely on their parents for food and protection until they fledge.
Defense Mechanism: Turkey Vultures have a unique defense mechanism known as "urohidrosis." They defecate on their legs and feet, which helps cool them down through evaporation and also potentially deters predators with the odor.
Conservation Status: Turkey Vultures are not currently considered globally threatened and are listed as "Least Concern" on the IUCN Red List. They have a stable population and benefit from their adaptable nature, ability to feed on carrion, and ability to thrive in various habitats.
Turkey Vultures are remarkable birds that provide valuable ecosystem services by consuming carrion and helping to maintain a clean environment. Their soaring flight, distinctive appearance, and reliance on smell make them fascinating subjects of study and observation.
Uploaded
May 2nd, 2016
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