Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are large, solitary vultures found throughout much of the Americas. They are easily identified by their dark plumage, red heads devoid of feathers, and distinctive dihedral soaring pattern. Turkey vultures are scavengers that play an important role in ecosystems by helping dispose of carrion. Though they range over a large portion of the Western Hemisphere, turkey vulture populations can vary greatly between different regions. Knowing what countries turkey vultures inhabit can provide insight into their distribution, migration patterns, and conservation status.
Countries Turkey Vultures Occur In
Turkey vultures occur through much of the Americas from southeastern Canada south to Chile and Argentina. Here is a list of countries where turkey vulture populations have been documented:
North America
- Canada
- United States
- Mexico
Turkey vultures occupy most of North America north of Mexico. In Canada, they breed in southern parts of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Their range extends across the contiguous United States and down throughout Mexico.
Central America
- Belize
- Guatemala
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Costa Rica
- Panama
Turkey vultures are found year-round and breed in every Central American country. They are one of the most commonly seen large birds across the region.
Caribbean
- Cuba
- Jamaica
- Hispaniola
- Puerto Rico
- Dominican Republic
- Haiti
- Bahamas
- Turks and Caicos Islands
The turkey vulture has breeding populations on some larger Caribbean islands including Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. They are also sometimes reported on smaller islands in the region.
South America
- Colombia
- Venezuela
- Guyana
- Suriname
- French Guiana
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Bolivia
- Paraguay
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Uruguay
Turkey vultures are widespread across northern and central South America east of the Andes. Their range spans Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.
Range Map of Turkey Vulture Distribution
This map shows the range of the turkey vulture across the Americas:
Source: Wikimedia Commons
As this map illustrates, the turkey vulture has an expansive range spanning from southern Canada down to Tierra del Fuego at the southern tip of South America. A small disjunct breeding population also exists in western Panama. The turkey vulture can be found year-round throughout much of its range in the tropics but migrations north and south in some regions.
Countries With the Largest Turkey Vulture Populations
While turkey vultures occupy a broad geographic range, some countries support significantly larger populations than others. The countries believed to have the highest turkey vulture populations include:
| Country | Estimated Population |
|---|---|
| United States | 5 million |
| Canada | 350,000 |
| Mexico | 1 million |
| Brazil | 1 million |
| Argentina | 500,000 |
The United States has the largest population of turkey vultures, estimated at around 5 million individuals. Other countries with substantial populations include Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Smaller but still significant numbers occur through the rest of the species range.
Countries Where Turkey Vultures Are Threatened
While turkey vultures remain common and widespread through much of the Western Hemisphere, some national populations face greater threats than others. Turkey vultures are considered threatened or endangered in the following countries:
- Panama – Critically endangered
- Venezuela – Vulnerable
- Ecuador – Near threatened
- Peru – Near threatened
The turkey vulture subspecies in western Panama is critically endangered, with only around 100 birds remaining. Other declining southern populations face threats from habitat loss, poisoning, and persecution. Protecting vulnerable populations in these countries is important for species conservation.
Reasons For Variation in Turkey Vulture Populations
Several factors likely contribute to the substantial variation in turkey vulture numbers between different countries and regions:
Habitat Availability
Turkey vultures rely on open habitats like grasslands, deserts, and savannas. Countries like the United States and Argentina with extensive suitable habitat can support more vultures.
Food Availability
As scavengers, turkey vultures depend on availability of carrion to survive. Areas with more roadkill, wildlife mortality, and farming support more vultures.
Persecution
Some cultures associate vultures with death and disease, leading to deliberate killing. Persecution may endanger vultures in some areas.
Contaminants
Scavenging exposes vultures to contaminants like lead ammunition and pesticides that reduce reproduction and survival. Environmental regulations help limit risks.
Understanding these factors provides insight into turkey vulture conservation and how different countries can support healthy populations. Even common species like turkey vultures require protection of habitats and food sources.
Conclusion
In summary, turkey vultures occupy a broad range extending from Canada to Chile and Argentina. The species can be found in most countries across North, Central, and South America. The United States supports the largest turkey vulture population, followed by other countries like Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina. Though still common, some populations in Panama, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru are threatened by habitat loss, poisoning, and persecution. Maintaining abundant habitat and food sources, along with reducing persecution, will be key to ensuring turkey vultures continue thriving across their expansive Western Hemisphere range.
