Turkey hawks and turkey vultures are two distinct species of birds that are sometimes confused with one another due to their similar names. However, there are many key differences between these two birds in terms of their taxonomy, appearance, habitat, diet, and behavior.
Taxonomy
Turkey hawks, also known as red-tailed hawks, are a medium-sized bird of prey that belongs to the Accipitridae family of hawks, eagles, kites, and allies. Their scientific name is Buteo jamaicensis. Red-tailed hawks are widespread throughout North America and can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas.
Turkey vultures belong to the Cathartidae family of New World vultures. Their scientific name is Cathartes aura. Turkey vultures are found throughout the Americas from southern Canada to Chile and Argentina. Turkey vultures occupy a wide range of open and semi-open habitats including subtropical forests, shrublands, pastures, and deserts.
So while turkey hawks and turkey vultures have “turkey” in their common names, they belong to completely different taxonomic families. Red-tailed hawks are birds of prey while turkey vultures are scavengers.
Appearance
Turkey hawks and turkey vultures also differ significantly in their outward appearance:
Turkey Hawk Appearance
– Medium-sized with long, broad wings and a short, wide tail
– Adults have a brownish back and a light belly streaked with brown spots
– Signature rusty-red tail feathers (where the name “red-tailed hawk” comes from)
– Yellow legs and curved yellow beak
Turkey Vulture Appearance
– Large with a wingspan up to 6 feet
– Adults are mostly black with a small featherless red head
– Long, broad wings with silver wing tips
– Short tail feathers
– Dark brown eyes and ivory-colored beak
So while turkey hawks are stocky raptors with colorful plumage, turkey vultures are gangly, mostly black-colored scavengers. Their distinctive appearances reflect their different roles in the ecosystem.
Habitat
Turkey hawks and turkey vultures occupy overlapping but different habitats:
Turkey Hawk Habitat
– Found in wide variety of habitats including forests, deserts, grasslands, wetlands, and urban areas
– Usually nest in tall trees or on cliff ledges away from human disturbance
– Sometimes nest on man-made structures like cell phone towers
Turkey Vulture Habitat
– Found in open areas and woodland edges near open land
– Roost communally in dead trees, cliffs, or even on the ground
– Nest on rock outcroppings, hollow logs, caves, or thickets
So turkey hawks are more of a habitat generalist able to thrive in different environments. Turkey vultures prefer open habitats near woodland edges where they can locate carrion.
Diet
The diets of turkey hawks and turkey vultures are very different:
Turkey Hawk Diet
– Carnivorous – feeds on small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, invertebrates
– Hunts live prey by watching from a high perch then swooping down
– Uses sharp talons to catch and kill prey
– Sometimes eats carrion of animals killed by cars or other means
Turkey Vulture Diet
– Scavengers – feed exclusively on carrion or dead animals
– Use keen sense of smell to locate carcasses
– Have weak feet and talons adapted for walking not killing
– Play an important role in ecosystems by disposing of dead animal remains
So turkey hawks are active predators that hunt live prey. Turkey vultures eat carrion and help keep the landscape clean. Their diets perfectly match their roles in nature.
Behavior
There are also behavioral differences between turkey hawks and turkey vultures:
Turkey Hawk Behavior
– Diurnal – hunt during the day
– Soar in circles using thermals to spot prey below
– Make a high-pitched “keeeeee-rrrrr” call
– Aggressive defenders of nesting sites
– Monogamous; mate for life
Turkey Vulture Behavior
– Diurnal but avoid flying in midday heat
– Soar low using air currents to locate carrion
– Hiss and regurgitate when threatened
– Silent unless agitated
– Roost communally at night
So turkey hawks are vocal and aggressive hunters that use height to their advantage. Turkey vultures are quieter, more social scavengers that utilize air currents differently.
Summary Comparison
Here is a table summarizing some of the main points of difference between turkey hawks and turkey vultures:
Character | Turkey Hawk | Turkey Vulture |
---|---|---|
Other Common Name | Red-tailed hawk | Turkey buzzard |
Scientific Name | Buteo jamaicensis | Cathartes aura |
Family | Accipitridae (hawks, eagles) | Cathartidae (New World vultures) |
Wingspan | 3.5-4.5 ft | 5-6 ft |
Plumage | Brown back, rusty red tail | Black with featherless red head |
Beak | Curved, yellow | Ivory-colored |
Talons | Sharp, curved | Weak |
Flight Style | Soar in circles | Soar low |
Diet | Carnivore | Scavenger |
Hunts | Live prey | Carrion |
Nest Sites | Trees, cliffs, towers | Cliffs, trees, caves |
Conclusion
In summary, while turkey hawks and turkey vultures have similar common names, they are quite different types of birds belonging to separate taxonomic families. Turkey hawks are predatory birds of prey that hunt live animals while turkey vultures are scavengers that exclusively eat carrion. They differ significantly in their appearance, habitat preferences, diet, hunting strategies, and behavior. Turkey hawks fill an important niche as predators high up in the food chain while turkey vultures help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem by consuming dead animals. So next time you see a large bird soaring overhead, look closely at its shape, flight pattern, and coloration to determine whether it’s a hawk or a vulture!