Description: Vultures play a crucial role in the balance of nature. Although many people associate this bird species with death and decay, vultures are important scavengers. There are three species of vultures found in North America at this time; the Turkey Vulture, the Black Vulture, and the California Condor.
Regions: The Turkey Vulture is the most common species and is found from southern Canada all the way to the southernmost tip of South America. The Black Vulture lives in the southeastern US down to Chile and Uruguay. The California Condor has neared extinction during the 20th century and is part of a captive breeding program.
Behavior: Vultures roost in large groups that could contain dozens to hundreds of vultures. They are able to fly in a slow flight style at low altitudes. Turkey Vultures can use their nose to find carrion. Black Vultures do not have this ability and will follow the Turkey Vultures to the animal carcasses. Vultures feed on dead animals.
Main problems: Vultures are large, intimidating birds. If they find their way into a store, distribution center, or warehouse building it may be frightening for staff and customers. If your property has any animal carcasses it will be attractive to vultures. These birds are a protected species and must be handled by a company trained and authorized to handle them properly.
Vultures appear to have well-honed immune systems. They can feast on dead animal carcasses without contracting botulism, anthrax, cholera, or salmonella.
Vultures may feed near humans, but they do not like to nest near humans. Nests are typically far from civilization.
Vultures are a migratory species and a migrating flock can be in the thousands.
You may see more than one vulture near a carcass, but typically only one bird will feed at a time.
The Black Vulture is the only vulture species that may feed on live animals such as cattle or deer. Cattle ranchers see the Black Vulture as a threat to their livestock.