Turkey vultures, also known as turkey buzzards, are large birds of prey found throughout much of the Americas. Known for their distinctive red heads and scavenging behavior, turkey vultures play an important role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up carrion. Though often unseen as they soar high in the sky, turkey vultures become known by their unique vocalizations. But what kind of noises do turkey buzzards make? Here we will explore the various calls, sounds, and vocalizations of the turkey vulture.
Turkey vultures do not “sing” in the musical way that songbirds do. Their vocalizations are simple, primitive, and serve purposes like communicating alarm or claiming food. Turkey vultures have a limited range of sounds, but each serves a distinct purpose for the bird.
Hissing
One of the most common turkey vulture sounds is hissing. This sibilant, snake-like hiss is produced on both the in-breath and out-breath. Hissing serves several functions for the turkey vulture:
- Defensive hissing when threatened
- Alarm hiss to alert others
- Hissing while feeding to claim and defend food
- Nest hiss to warn intruders away from nest site
The hiss is produced by air moving through vibrating laryngeal membranes in the syrinx organ of the trachea. Turkey vultures can make this sound both on the ground and in flight. It is an important defensive mechanism to scare away potential threats and competitors. The aggressive hiss serves as a warning that the vulture will defend itself if pressed.
Grunting
In addition to hissing, turkey vultures also make deep grunting or low groaning sounds. These guttural vowel-like sounds are lower-pitched than the hiss. Grunts and groans are made in several contexts:
- At the nest, by both parents and young
- When jostling for position at carrion
- During courtship displays
- As a reassuring contact call between mates
The grunt serves for close-range communication between turkey vultures. The deep, guttural timbre is thought to resonate with the hollow bones of the birds. Grunts communicate messages like food alerts, warnings, and comfort between vultures.
Begging Calls
Turkey vulture chicks begin making begging calls while still blind and featherless in the nest. These calls let the parents know that the chicks are hungry and ready to be fed. The begging begins with a simple hissing exhalation of air.
As the chicks grow, their begging calls become more complex. Older nestlings make a repetitive lisping or whistling noise often translated as “seep” or “teep.” They will also make guttural groans and purring noises to signal their hunger. The begging calls of turkey vulture chicks can become quite loud and insistent!
Alarm Calls
Turkey vultures have several alarm calls that alert others to threats or disturbances. Short, repeated alarm hisses are made to signal danger to other vultures. When taking flight in alarm, turkey vultures make a high-pitched whistling sound with their wing feathers.
One unique turkey vulture alarm call is known as the “tagger.” To make this sound, the vulture turns and thrusts its beak into its scapular feathers near the wing. As air is forced out through the feathers, it makes a loud tagging or gagging noise. Scientists believe this unique vocalization may mimic the sound of choking or vomiting as a defense mechanism. By sounding sick, the vulture signals it is not worth attacking.
What Does a Turkey Vulture Sound Like? Descriptions and Comparisons
Let’s look at some more descriptions and comparisons of turkey vulture vocalizations:
Hissing
- A snake-like sibilant hiss: “sssssss”
- Air forced through vibrating larynx
- Similar to goose hissing
- Sharper than a dove coo
Grunting
- A low, guttural “unk”
- Deep, hoarse, and groaning
- Comparable to croaking of frogs/toads
- Lower-pitched than a chicken cluck
Begging Calls
- High-pitched lisping “seep seep”
- Whistling “teep teep” noise
- Similar to whimpering dog/puppy
- More shrill than a mourning dove
Alarm Calls
- Harsh, repeated hissing
- High whistling with wings
- “Tagger” gagging sound
- Noisier than a pigeon’s coo
As you can see, turkey vulture vocalizations are primitive, raw, and elemental. While not melodious, they serve their purpose for communication between vultures. Context is key, as the same hiss can signal alarm, aggression, or hunger depending on the situation. With practice, birders can learn to identify the unique sounds of a turkey vulture.
When Are Turkey Vultures Vocal?
Turkey vultures are generally quiet most of the time. But here are some key situations when turkey vultures vocalize:
At the Nest
Nesting turkey vultures may hiss or grunt to communicate with their mate and offspring at the nest site. Adults arrive with grunting reassurance for the young. Then as the chicks grow, their begging calls become louder and more insistent.
Roosting
Turkey vultures roost communally, sometimes in large groups. Some hissing may occur at the roost as the birds jostle for position on tree branches and ledges.
Feeding
Group feeding etiquette for turkey vultures involves some vocalizations. Hissing and grunting occurs as dominant birds lay claim to carrion and defend it from competitors.
Displaying
Courting turkey vultures perform aerial displays accompanied by grunts and hisses. Soaring together, potential mates make noises to communicate and synchronize their movements.
Alarm
The turkey vulture alarm hiss is often the only clue a predatory threat is nearby before the vultures take flight. The repetitive hissing spreads rapidly through a feeding or roosting flock.
In general, the most vocalization occurs at the extremities – during stressful situations like breeding, jostling for food, or alarm. Turkey vultures are masters of minimal communication for maximum efficiency.
What is the Purpose of Turkey Vulture Vocalizations?
Let’s take a look at why turkey vultures make noise and vocalize:
Communication
Grunts and hisses allow turkey vultures to communicate essential information to each other. The sounds help coordinate activities like feeding, breeding, and roosting in flocks.
Defense
A sharp hiss from a turkey vulture on the ground warns others not to get too close. Hissing serves to defend both food resources and personal space between birds.
Alerts
The high-pitched alarm whistle of turkey vultures taking flight alerts others to imminent danger. Hissing spreads the warning quickly through the flock.
Claiming Food
Hissing and grunting at a fresh carcass establishes dominance and claims ownership over a food resource. It keeps other scavengers away.
Reassurance
Grunts and groans exchanged between mates and offspring provide social bonding and reassurance. The guttural sounds maintain group cohesion.
Begging
Loud begging calls by chicks ensure parent birds deliver enough food to the nest. The sounds inform adults of the nestlings’ needs.
In general, turkey vulture vocalizations allow these highly social birds to coordinate essential activities efficiently and safely. From breeding to roosting to feeding, simple calls serve vital functions for turkey vulture survival.
Conclusion
Turkey vultures are vocal when necessary, using simple hisses, grunts, and whistles to communicate needs. While not songbirds, turkey vultures have a range of sounds:
- Hissing shows alarm, defense, and aggression
- Grunting signals breeding, food, and reassurance
- Begging calls demand feeding by parent birds
- Whistling indicates alarm and panic
Context provides meaning for these primitive turkey vulture sounds. With practice, birders can learn to recognize the unique noises of a turkey vulture colony. Vocalizations allow turkey vultures to coordinate their scavenging, breeding, and colonial roosting habits safely and effectively. Though not musical, the raspy hisses and grunts of turkey vultures are important communication signals for these widespread New World vultures.
