The Grand Canyon, located in northern Arizona, is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the United States. Spanning 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep, this massive canyon contains a variety of habitats and terrain. From high desert plateaus to sheer cliff walls, the biodiversity found within the Grand Canyon is impressive. Over 1,500 plant species, 89 mammal species, 17 fish species, and 351 bird species call the park home. With the wide range of environments present, it is no surprise that turkey vultures can be found soaring over certain areas of the canyon. But what exactly are turkey vultures, and in which parts of the Grand Canyon are they located? Let’s take a closer look at whether turkey vultures inhabit this natural wonder.
What are Turkey Vultures?
Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are large, blackish vultures with featherless red heads that are found throughout the Americas. They are relatively common raptors that play an important role as scavengers, helping to keep the landscape clean by consuming carrion. Some key facts about turkey vultures include:
- Species: The turkey vulture has the scientific name Cathartes aura and is the most widespread vulture species found in the Americas.
- Description: These large birds weigh 4-5 lbs as adults and have wingspans around 6 feet. Their heads lack feathers, appearing red in color due to blood flow. The body plumage is overall blackish-brown.
- Diet: Turkey vultures eat carrion almost exclusively, feeding on the carcasses of large mammals like deer or cattle. They find food using their excellent sense of smell.
- Breeding: Nests are made in caves, hollow trees, or thick vegetation. Turkey vultures do not construct nests, simply laying eggs directly on a surface. The female typically lays 2 eggs.
- Behavior: These vultures are very social, often roosting and feeding in large groups. In flight they soar gracefully, sometimes gliding for hours without flapping.
- Population Status: Their numbers are stable overall. Turkey vultures are currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
As efficient scavengers that help clear away carrion, turkey vultures provide an important ecological service. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem with adequate food sources available.
Turkey Vulture Habitats
Turkey vultures occupy a variety of habitats across their large range in the Americas. They thrive in areas where open landscapes provide adequate soaring and roosting spots, and where large mammal carcasses are common for feeding. Turkey vultures tend to prefer warmer climates but can be found nearly nationwide.
Some habitats frequented by turkey vultures include:
- Grasslands – Open prairies and savannas offer ideal turkey vulture terrain.
- Rural Areas – Farmland and ranchland provide livestock carcasses for scavenging.
- Low Mountains – Foothills and relatively low elevations are favored.
- Arid Mountains – Turkey vultures frequent drier mountains and canyons.
- Coastlines – Shorelines provide ample wind patterns for easing flight.
- Suburbs/Cities – Urban areas provide roadkill and other food sources.
In general, turkey vultures prefer open areas over dense forest, and drier landscapes over wet ones. They do well at elevations up to around 8,000 feet in mountainous areas. The presence of cliffs, outcrops, and tall trees provides roosting sites. And access to large animal carcasses is the essential requirement for any turkey vulture habitat.
Turkey Vultures in the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon, carved by the Colorado River through arid plateau land, offers suitable terrain for turkey vultures in many areas. The climate is generally warm and dry, with more precipitation at higher elevations. There are expansive open plateaus bordered by sheer cliffs ideal for catching rising air currents. And within the canyon itself, rock pinnacles and dead trees provide ample roosting options.
Turkey vultures are most abundant in the inner canyon habitats below the rim. Here they scavenge on wildlife carcasses, finding food along the Colorado River and its side canyons. Bighorn sheep, coyotes, and other mammalian species that die naturally or are taken by predators provide scavenging opportunities. The vultures also frequent developed areas like Phantom Ranch and do clean-up around mule corrals.
Sightings become less common on the forested plateau of the North Rim, where the habitat is less suitable. But turkey vultures still inhabit the South Rim in areas where scrubby vegetation borders the main overlook points. Visitors in these areas of the park may catch sight of turkey vultures circling on rising air currents generated by the canyon slopes and thermals.
Overall, the habitats and food sources available make the Grand Canyon an excellent place to spot turkey vultures soaring over the landscape or perched on cliff edges.
Best Locations to See Turkey Vultures in the Grand Canyon
Many areas of the Grand Canyon provide the dry, open habitat turkey vultures prefer. Here are some of the best locations within the park to potentially see them:
Desert View Watchtower
This stone tower at the eastern end of the South Rim provides expansive views over the Inner Canyon. Scan cliff edges for perched birds, and watch the sky for soaring silhouettes.
Grandview Point
The sweeping canyon views make this spot on the South Rim another great vantage point. Rising thermals help provide turkey vultures with lift.
Hermits Rest
The scrubby vegetation at the western end of the South Rim is attractive to turkey vultures. Watch for them cruising along the rim.
Colorado River Corridor
Float trips along the river provide close-up views of turkey vultures scavenging and nesting on the towering canyon walls.
Bright Angel Point
This North Rim overlook offers views into Roaring Springs Canyon where turkey vultures frequent the lower canyon slopes.
Identification Tips for Turkey Vultures in the Grand Canyon
Identifying turkey vultures soaring high above the Grand Canyon can be tricky. Here are some tips for proper identification:
- Silhouette – Look for a smaller, compact-looking head compared to the larger spread-fingered wings.
- Flight Style – Turkey vultures soar effortlessly, rocking side to side with few flapping motions.
- Wing Shape – Wings appear squared-off at the tips when soaring compared to eagles and hawks.
- Flock Habits – Groups of soaring birds suggest turkey vultures over solitary eagles.
- Roosting Sites – Look for hunched vultures perched on cliffs, trees, and rock pinnacles.
The classic vulture silhouette combined with turkey vultures’ social tendencies make them easier to identify with practice. Carry binoculars to get better looks at distinguishing features.
Interesting Turkey Vulture Facts
Beyond their scavenging behaviors and wide-ranging presence, turkey vultures have some other fascinating facts worth noting:
- These vultures locate carcasses by smell, unlike most other bird species. They have an excellent sense of smell thanks to olfactory glands.
- By scavenging carcasses, turkey vultures help limit the spread of diseases like anthrax and botulism.
- Their vomit is a smelly, acidic liquid that can deter predators. Turkey vultures also hiss when threatened.
- The bare red head of turkey vultures helps keep them clean while feeding. It also displays redder as the bird gets agitated.
- Their wingspan compared to total body weight ratio is the largest of any North American bird.
- Turkey vultures sun themselves to stay warm, facing into the sun with wing feathers spread wide open.
Conclusion
In summary, turkey vultures are a fairly common sight in areas of the Grand Canyon that provide appropriate habitat. Their ability to soar for hours on end helps them effectively scavenge the vast landscape. Look for these iconic vultures along the Colorado River corridor or perched beneath the rim where canyon walls generate rising air currents. With a sharply attentive eye and a little patience, observers can catch sight of turkey vultures circling over this natural wonder of the world. Watching them fly and understanding their ecological role can add another memorable element to exploring the breathtaking Grand Canyon.