The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a conspicuous bird of prey across most of North America. They can be seen throughout the year in the Southeast but are spring and summer breeding visitors to the rest of the Lower 48 states and southern Canada.
These soaring vultures might be a common sighting across the country, but few birdwatchers will have seen their nests. So where exactly do Turkey Vultures nest, and how do they raise their chicks?
Turkey Vultures are not known for their nest-building abilities. These birds select cavities and other secluded areas with a comfortable microclimate to lay their eggs. The site itself is rarely modified, and the female simply lays her eggs on the bare ground of the nest site.
Turkey Vultures are doting parents, however, and both mother and father will work together to raise their chicks, a task that will take several months, all told.
We rarely see Turkey Vulture nests because these birds prefer to select hidden nest sites far from human disturbance. They rarely nest in backyards or nest boxes, although they occasionally nest in human-made structures like abandoned buildings and chimneys.
This article covers the nesting habits of the Turkey Vulture. Read along to learn where, when, and how these unique birds raise a new generation each year.
With their large, featherless red heads and tendency to feast on rotting carcasses, turkey vultures are quite distinctive birds. But there’s much more to these scavengers than meets the eye. When it comes to nesting, turkey vultures have some unique habits and preferences that set them apart from other bird species.
In this article, we’ll explore where turkey vultures choose to build their nests, what their nests look like, and some other interesting facts about their breeding ecology. Whether you’re an avid birder looking to locate active nests or simply curious about the lives of these misunderstood birds, read on to uncover the secrets of turkey vulture nesting!
Why Are They Called Turkey Buzzards?
Turkey vultures go by several common names, including turkey buzzard. Early American settlers named them after the domestic turkeys they brought over from Europe, due to the vulture’s red and featherless head resembling that of a turkey.
The term buzzard refers to their wide soaring flight with wings held in a shallow V-shape, similar to hawks and eagles called buzzards in Europe. But despite these names, turkey vultures are not closely related to either turkeys or buzzards. Their scientific name is Cathartes aura.
Preferred Nesting Locations
Turkey vultures do not build nests out of sticks, grass, or mud like many birds But they do seek out protected sites to lay their eggs and raise young Preferred turkey vulture nest locations include
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Cliffs and Rock Outcroppings: Crevices and ledges on steep, rocky cliffs provide seclusion and shade.
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Caves: The deep recesses of caves offer shelter and cooling airflow.
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Hollow Logs Decaying fallen logs mimic cave-like conditions
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Abandoned Buildings Ruined barns, sheds and houses are popular nest sites.
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Tree Cavities: Hollow parts of live or dead trees are used.
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Mammal Burrows: The tunnels of prairie dogs, armadillos, and other burrowing mammals provide ready-made nest sites.
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Abandoned Stick Nests: The old nests of hawks, herons, or other large birds are opportunistically used.
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Ground: At times, turkey vultures may nest directly on the bare ground.
In all cases, turkey vultures choose secluded, sheltered spots away from human disturbance. They often reuse the same nesting sites annually.
Nesting Materials
Since turkey vultures do not construct elaborate nests, they utilize only minimal materials within their chosen nesting cavity or crevice:
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Leaf Litter: Dead leaves are arranged to form a nest bowl.
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Twigs: Small sticks and branches help line the nest site.
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Lichen or Moss: Lichen, moss, and other vegetation is added for padding.
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Dung: Turkey vulture droppings and remnants of prey carcasses may accrue.
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Nothing: Many nests consist of bare ground or rock with no added materials.
Compared to most bird nests, turkey vultures invest little time and effort into constructing nests for their eggs. But the sheltered sites they choose help protect the eggs and shade the developing chicks.
Nest Cooling Adaptations
An interesting fact about turkey vulture nesting habits is their preference for cool nesting areas. Their chosen sites average about 13°F cooler than the surrounding environment.
This aids incubation in two ways:
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Colder ambient temperatures reduce overheating of eggs on hot days.
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The metabolic heat produced by brooding adults dissipates faster in well-ventilated nests.
These adaptations are essential since turkey vultures have featherless heads and thus can’t shade eggs like other birds. The cooling effect helps ensure proper egg development.
Timing of Nesting Season
Turkey vultures generally mate for life and breed annually once they reach about 3 to 4 years old. Breeding seasons vary by location:
- Southern States: December to June
- Northern States: May to September
- Southern Canada: May to August
Courtship begins with aerial displays where one bird closely follows the other through swoops and turns. After pairing up, the mates repeatedly return to a chosen nesting site.
The Egg-Laying Process
Once a nesting spot is selected, the female lays 1 to 3 eggs within the cavity or protected area. The eggs are creamy white, splotched with browns and purples. She may lay eggs at intervals of 2 to 4 days.
If a clutch is lost early in breeding season, she may lay a second one. Otherwise, turkey vultures produce only a single clutch per year. Both parents share incubation duties, lasting 28 to 40 days.
Caring For Chicks
Turkey vulture chicks are altricial at hatching, meaning they are mostly immobile, have eyes closed, and are covered in downy gray feathers. Parents brood them for warmth and protection. After about 10 days, their eyes open and they become more active.
Both parents regurgitate food to feed the chicks. The young fledge at about 60 to 84 days, but follow parents for assistance with finding food for up to 2 months afterwards.
Threats To Nesting Sites
The main threats turkey vultures face are human disturbance and habitat loss. Their preference for secluded nesting spots makes them sensitive to intrusions. Construction, logging, mining, and other activities may impact breeding.
Because turkey vultures often reuse nest sites annually, preserving known nesting areas from human encroachment is key to supporting these unique scavenging birds. Responsible land management practices can ensure turkey vultures always have sheltered places available to raise their young.
So next time you see turkey vultures gracefully soaring overhead, remember they aren’t just cleaning up carrion, but are also attentive parents that invest significant time and effort to safely incubate their eggs and nourish their chicks each nesting season.
What trees do Turkey Vultures nest in?
Turkey Vultures often nest in natural tree cavities. The tree species does not appear to be important, but they do select trees with large, deep cavities, where their eggs might be laid as much as thirteen feet (4 m) below the entrance to the hollow.
Turkey Vultures are known to nest in the following trees:
What time of year do Turkey Vultures nest?
Turkey Vultures usually lay their eggs in the spring and will have completed nesting by the start of fall. In the south, they lay their eggs in late winter and will have finished nesting by early summer.
A pair of Turkey Buzzards
The Three P’s of Turkey Vultures
FAQ
Are turkey buzzards good for anything?
Where do turkey buzzards roost at night?
Where do turkey buzzards lay their eggs?
Do turkey vultures nest in the same place every year?