Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures are cool!
Habitat
The turkey vulture is a widespread raptor. They live pretty much every where; subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, foothills, pastures, grasslands, and wetlands.
Color Patterns
Adult Turkey Vultures have a featherless red head, and on that head there is an ivory beak, their neck has dark feather ruff and their body is a dark brown with lighter colors under it's wings. Juvenile Turkey Vultures have dark skin on their head, and their beak is dark with a pale base. Both adults and juveniles have dark pink legs.
Traits For Males, Females, and Juveniles
Male
Turkey vultures are 2.5ft tall with a 6ft wide wingspan. They only weigh 2-4lbs. They can fly at 60 mph, they usually only do this to avoid being "ran over" by Ravens or Blue Jays. They, on average, live up to 20 years.
Female
Turkey vultures are 2.5ft tall with a 6ft wide wingspan. They only weigh 2-4lbs. They can fly at 60 mph, they usually only do this to avoid being "ran over" by Ravens or Blue Jays. They, on average, live up to 20 years.
Juvenile
Turkey Vultures are the only raptor that can't kill their prey. no matter what age they are. Juveniles are basically the same as adults. They can do the same things, just not as well.
Turkey Vulture Calls
"Turkey Vultures lack the vocal organs to make proper songs. Most of their vocalizations come down to a form of low, guttural hiss made when they are irritated or vying for a better spot on a carcass. They also may give a low, nasal whine while in flight." (www.allaboutbirds.org)
Adaptations of a Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures have many adaptations such as a wide wingspan for easier gliding. This makes it so they can fly farther without getting tired. They have a bald have so the bacteria of their prey doesn't stay of it's head. They also have a strong sense of smell, they need this because being the only raptor that doesn't kill its food, they need to be able to locate their next meal, and fast before another animal gets it.