Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) and Black Vultures (Coragyps atratus) are two similar-looking but distinct species of vulture found in North America. Both are large, dark-colored scavenging birds that play an important role in the ecosystem by consuming carrion. However, there are several key differences between Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures in terms of their appearance, behavior, habitat, and distribution.
Quick Facts
Turkey Vulture
- Scientific Name: Cathartes aura
- Wingspan: 5-6 feet
- Body Length: 25-32 inches
- Weight: 4-5 lbs
- Plumage: Black with bald, red head
- Beak: Long and hooked
- Range: Throughout continental US and southern Canada
Black Vulture
- Scientific Name: Coragyps atratus
- Wingspan: 4.5-5.5 feet
- Body Length: 22-27 inches
- Weight: 4-5 lbs
- Plumage: All black with white tips on wings
- Beak: Shorter and stouter than Turkey Vulture
- Range: Southeastern US and south through Central America
Appearance
At first glance, Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures appear quite similar – both are large, dark-colored birds with broad wingspans. However, there are some key physical differences between the two species:
Plumage
– Turkey Vultures have blackish-brown plumage throughout, except for their bright red and bald head. This bare red head makes them easy to distinguish from the all-black Black Vulture.
– Black Vultures have a dark grey-black plumage over their entire body, including their head. The underside of their wings appear silvery from underneath in flight.
– Black Vultures have distinctive white wing tips that are visible during flight but not when perched. Turkey Vultures lack this white marking on their wings.
Beak Shape
– Turkey Vultures have a longer, thinner, hooked beak that is well-adapted for tearing into carcasses.
– Black Vultures have a shorter, thicker, stouter beak that is better suited for puncturing and penetrating tough hides and skin.
Feet
– Turkey Vulture’s feet are weaker and less suited for grasping compared to Black Vultures. Turkey Vulture toes lack scales.
– Black Vultures have stronger feet with sharp talons for grasping food. Their toes have scales.
Flight Patterns and Behavior
Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures also differ in some aspects of their flight style and behavior:
Flight Style
– Turkey Vultures tend to soar and glide more, holding their wings in a shallow V-shape. They rarely flap, relying on air currents to stay aloft.
– Black Vultures have a more labored, flap-heavy flight style with quicker wingbeats. Their wings make a flat, straight line when soaring.
Grouping
– Turkey Vultures are usually solitary or found in pairs, even at carcasses. They do not flock together in large groups.
– Black Vultures are highly social and gather in larger flocks or groups at food sources.
Feeding
– Turkey Vultures have a better sense of smell than Black Vultures, which they use to locate carcasses. They also feed passively, waiting their turn until more dominant species have finished.
– Black Vultures are more aggressive at feeding sites and may chase or push Turkey Vultures away from carcasses. They locate food by sight, not smell.
Vocalizations
– Turkey Vultures hiss when threatened or agitated. They do not vocalize much outside of this.
– Black Vultures have raspy, croaking vocalizations they use to communicate with their flock at roosts or feeding sites.
Range and Habitat
The ranges and preferred habitats of Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures also differ:
Range
– Turkey Vultures have an expansive range across the United States, Mexico, and south through much of South America. They are found throughout the continental US.
– Black Vultures have a more limited range concentrated in the southeastern US south through Central America. They are uncommon in the western and central US.
Habitat
– Turkey Vultures occupy diverse habitats including forests, grasslands, deserts, and wetlands. They roost on the ground, in caves, or on dead trees.
– Black Vultures prefer more forested areas near open land for foraging. They roost in live trees, on man-made structures, and sometimes caves.
| Habitat Preference | Turkey Vulture | Black Vulture |
|---|---|---|
| Forests | ✔ | ✔✔ |
| Grasslands | ✔✔ | ✔ |
| Wetlands | ✔ | |
| Deserts | ✔ |
Breeding and Nesting
There are some notable differences in how these species breed and nest:
Mating System
– Turkey Vultures form monogamous pairs that may mate for life. The same pair returns to the same nest site annually.
– Black Vultures do not form lasting pair bonds. Females may mate with multiple males in a breeding season.
Nest Sites
– Turkey Vultures nest on the ground in thickets, hollow logs, rock crevices, caves, or abandoned buildings.
– Black Vultures build nests in the tops of dead trees, stumps, or on man-made structures like cell towers.
Clutch Size
– Turkey Vultures typically lay 2 eggs per clutch.
– Black Vultures lay 1-3 eggs, averaging 2 eggs per clutch.
Nest Defense
– Turkey Vultures do not actively defend the nest if approached by predators. The adult may hiss or regurgitate as a defense response.
– Black Vultures aggressively mob or attack potential nest predators, diving at the intruder.
Dietary Differences
As scavengers, Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures eat mostly carrion. However, their dietary preferences differ somewhat:
Food Preferences
| Turkey Vulture | Black Vulture |
|---|---|
| Prefers fresher carcasses | Eats older carrion more readily |
| Will eat small animals it finds already dead | May kill live prey like rodents, snakes, pigs |
| Can tear through tougher hides and skin | Prefers softer tissues and openings |
Foraging Style
– Turkey Vultures use their excellent sense of smell to locate carcasses from high in the air. They forage wider distances.
– Black Vultures spot carcasses by eyesight while soaring or from perches. They often follow Turkey Vultures to food.
Threats and Conservation Status
Despite some differences, Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures face many of the same threats to their long-term survival:
Common Threats
– Habitat loss and degradation
– Collisions with vehicles and infrastructure
– Poisoning from carcasses containing lead ammunition or pesticides
– Illegal shooting and intentional harm by humans
– Disturbance of nesting sites
Conservation Status
– Turkey Vulture: Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List
– Black Vulture: Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List
Both species remain widespread and common over much of their range. Population trends appear stable, though they face ongoing habitat and human-related threats.
Interesting Facts
Here are some additional interesting facts about each species:
Turkey Vulture
– Roast in the sun with wings spread to thermoregulate; this aids in detoxifying bacteria in the gut.
– Soar at altitudes over 6000 feet on thermal updrafts.
– Migrate in flocks and may travel hundreds of miles between summer and winter ranges.
– Have an excellent sense of smell, unlike most other birds.
– Regurgitate foul-smelling semi-digested meat when threatened.
Black Vulture
– Spend hours soaring in search of food; flight accounts for much of their day.
– Are very gregarious and roost in large groups of up to several hundred vultures.
– May scatter bones and remains of carcasses by picking them up and dropping them while in flight.
– Have featherless heads due to rubbing against carcasses and self-preening.
– Are sometimes seen spreading their wings and legs to cool off on hot days.
Conclusion
In summary, Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures occupy similar ecological niches as carrion-feeding birds, but have distinct appearances, behaviors, ranges, and nesting habits. Turkey Vultures rely more on soaring flight and smell to locate food, whereas Black Vultures are more social and aggressive at carcasses. Both species play a critical role in ecosystem health by rapidly consuming dead animal remains before they can spread disease. Conserving the habitats and food sources these unique vultures rely on will ensure thriving populations long into the future. While they may seem unsettling to some observers, vultures are captivating birds perfectly adapted to their scavenging lifestyles.
