Photo by MDC Staff, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation.  Noppadol Paothong

Natures Garbage Disposal

People in the Cameron area are very familiar with the sight of turkey vultures soaring in our summer sky.

Turkey vultures (sometimes called buzzards) are nature’s garbage disposal. They feed almost exclusively on carrion. Contrary to common belief, they do not kill their prey. They do prefer recently deceased animals and are constantly on the outlook for dead animals. The size or the species makes little difference.

They soar on thermal updrafts for hours in their search for food. They have excellent eyesight, and, unique among birds, have an amazing sense of smell. When we see them flying low, they are seeking the scent of a decaying animal. They are often seen in recently cut hay fields feeding on snakes and other small animals killed in the cutting process.

They have few natural enemies and their only real defense is to regurgitate on a potential threat. The extremely foul odor is usually enough to deter any enemy. Their greatest danger is an automobile since they are often found  in or near roadways feeding on road-kill. Taking off from the ground is cumbersome and they are often reluctant to leave a carcass.

They are large birds with a wingspan between five and six feet. On the ground they can resemble turkeys when seen from a distance. They are a bit clumsy on the ground, but are magnificent as they soar. Their head and neck is devoid of feathers which is beneficial for feeding on a decaying carcass. Their beak is white and their legs and feet are pink, but typically are stained white.

They frequently defecate and urinate on their legs which helps in cooling their bodies as well as deterring close contact.

Turkey vultures nest locally and normally raise 2 chicks. They are gregarious birds at roost time and can be seen in numbers at a roost sight. A family normally stays together until fall when, when they migrate south to the Gulf coast or further. 

This author was once privileged to see many of the local vultures at the time of their departure. Several were circling over my property when I noticed a group soaring in from the north. Our local vultures joined that group and disappeared to the south, not to be seen until the next spring.

Turkey vultures are protected and  it is illegal to shoot one. They perform a valuable service as they consume decaying carcasses thus minimizing the spread of bacteria. They are not a pretty bird, but one can’t help but admire and envy their ability to soar on unseen wind thermals.

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