turkey buzzard
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird is Turkey Buzzard, also known as the Turkey Vulture. Its scientific name is Cathartes aura.
2. Appearance
The Turkey Buzzard is often mistaken for the turkey bird due to its feather coloration and physical traits. Its body and wings are dark brown or black, while the head is small and featherless, with skin that appears red or pink. Its beak is whitish and hooked, designed for tearing carrion while the nostrils are large and unobstructed, allowing the bird to pick up the scent of deceased animals from the air. They can often be seen in flight, exhibiting long and narrow wings with grayish flight feathers. Male and female buzzards show little variation in appearance.
3. Size
A typical Turkey Buzzard measures between 63 to 81 cm (24.8 to 31.8 inches) in length. Their wingspan is especially wide, stretching about 170 to 183 cm (67 to 72 inches). The weight range of these birds is about 800 to 2400 grams (1.8 to 5.3 pounds).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Turkey Buzzards can be found in different continents. They are most common in the Americas, from the southernmost tip of South America to southern Canada. The bird prefers a variety of habitats including savannahs, shrublands, forests, pastures, deserts, and even suburban areas if food is available.
5. Interesting Facts
– Turkey Buzzards are known for their excellent sense of smell, unlike many birds which rely more on sight.
– They use thermals to help them soar, rarely needing to actively flap their wings.
– The Turkey Buzzard carries disease-preventing bacteria in its gut which destroys any potential infections present in the carrion it eats.
6. Diet
The diet of the Turkey Buzzard primarily consists of carrion and it will rarely attack living prey. Their strong sense of smell helps them locate the decomposing carcasses of small to medium-sized mammals.
7. Behavior & Sounds
Turkey Buzzards have a unique flying pattern. Their wings are held upward in a V-shape while they soar, alternating between flapping and gliding. They do not build conventional nests – instead, they lay eggs directly on the ground in dense vegetation or caves. Their vocal sounds are limited, largely consisting of hisses and grunts.
8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Turkey Buzzard is classified as ‘Least Concern’, indicating a healthy and stable population.
9. Lifespan
The Turkey Buzzard has a lifespan of about 16 to 20 years in the wild. In captivity, they may live up to 30 years.
10. Additional Notes
In Spanish-speaking countries, the Turkey Buzzard is often referred to as ‘buitre de turquia’. The bird keeps ecosystems healthy by eating carrions, thus restricting the spread of diseases. They’re typically non-aggressive and do not pose a direct threat to humans; in some cultures, they are even considered sacred.
