Turkey vultures are a common sight in the skies over North and South America These large raptors are known for their impressive soaring abilities, often appearing as black specks high up in the blue sky. But just how high do turkey vultures fly?
Riding Thermals to Great Heights
Turkey vultures are masters at exploiting columns of rising warm air called thermals. They use thermals to gain altitude without flapping their wings, circling upward on the rising air currents. Once a vulture reaches the top of a thermal, it will glide off to the next one, gradually losing altitude before catching the next column of warm rising air.
This thermal soaring allows turkey vultures to ascend to impressive heights with minimal effort. According to research, turkey vultures have been observed soaring at altitudes over 10,000 feet in order to scan wider areas for food sources. Their ability to find thermals also aids their long distance migration, as soaring at higher altitudes allows them to travel further without stopping.
Record-Breaking Maximum Altitudes
Just how high can these thermal specialists go? Some of the records held by turkey vultures are truly astounding,
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The highest altitude recorded for turkey vultures is around 20,000 feet during migration. Research shows they start out around 5,000 feet but progressively climb higher, up to 20,000 feet at their peak.
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There are accounts of turkey vultures soaring at 29,000 feet over Northern Ireland during migration. This impressive altitude was visually confirmed by an airline pilot.
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Turkey vultures have been spotted circling at heights over 10,000 feet on a regular basis, likely scanning the ground below for food.
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One study observed turkey vultures soaring at around 40,000 feet in the air, their maximum recorded flight altitude.
So while they usually fly much lower when hunting or migrating, turkey vultures are capable of some seriously high-altitude flying using thermal lift.
Built for Soaring
Turkey vultures have evolved several key adaptations that allow them to soar thousands of feet in the air:
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Large Wingspan – With wingspans up to 6 feet, turkey vulture wings provide plenty of surface area for catching rising warm air.
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Light Body – Weighing only 4-5 pounds, turkey vultures have a light load for their wings to carry aloft.
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Dihedral Wing Shape – Their distinctive V-shaped wings are ideal for balancing and stabilizing during soaring flight.
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Keen Eyesight – Excellent long-distance vision helps them spot thermals and food sources from great heights.
Gliding Efficiently
Turkey vultures are incredibly efficient gliders thanks to their aerodynamic body shape. They can travel long distances while losing very little altitude by gliding between thermals.
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Low Wing Loading – Large wing area relative to their weight lets them glide efficiently without rapid descent.
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Low Drag Body – Their small, featherless head and slicked-back body profile reduce drag for smooth gliding.
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Long Tail – The long tail provides stability and helps the vulture steer and maneuver in flight.
masters of Soaring Flight
The next time you spot turkey vultures gracefully circling high overhead, remember that they are riding thermals up to heights over 10,000 feet! Their ability to find and exploit columns of rising warm air makes these raptors masters of soloaring flight. With a combination of adaptations like large wings, a light build, and keen eyesight, turkey vultures are able to reach impressive altitudes as they ride the skies in search of their next meal.
15 Interesting Facts About Turkey Vultures
>> The turkey vulture is related to the stork, not to any birds of prey.
>> Their scientific name in Latin means “cleansing breeze.”
>> Like all other vultures, the turkey vulture has a bald head. This is so that bits of carrion (dead meat) do not adhere to the skin as they would to feathers. At close range the naked red heads of the adult turkey vultures resemble those of turkeys, hence the name.
>> Turkey vultures are the only scavenger birds that can’t kill their prey.
>> A close inspection of their feet reminds one of a chicken instead of a hawk or an eagle. Their feet are useless for ripping into prey, but the vultures have powerful beaks that can tear through even the toughest cow hide.
>> They feed by thrusting their heads into the body cavities of rotting animals.
>> Turkey vultures have an extraordinary sense of smell. They have been known to be able to smell carrion from over a mile away, which is very unique in the bird world. The turkey vulture has the largest olfactory (smelling) system of all birds.
>> Vultures prefer meat as fresh as possible and won’t eat extremely rotted carcasses. They can smell carrion only 12-24 hours old.
>> In the early morning hours you may see turkey vultures sunbathing in a tree with their wings spread out. This is done to increase their body temperature after the cool night.
>> When you see turkey vultures swarming around in a cluster in the early morning hours of early spring or fall, they are preparing to continue on their migration. Vultures seen in the evening hours have probably arrived in the area that day and are preparing to roost for the night.
>> Researchers have determined that turkey vultures can travel at up to 200 miles in a day.
>> Turkey vultures average 2 1/2 feet tall with a 6 foot wingspan. In spite of their large size, they only weigh about 3 pounds.
>> People will often mistakenly call turkey vultures, buzzards, which is the British name for certain hawks.
>> Turkey vultures have been known to live up to 24 years. The average age is estimated to be around 20 years.
>> Vultures help clean up the environment by eating the flesh off dead animals before it rots and causes disease.
Wingspan 6 feet; length, 27 inches. Brownish/black body, the featherless head is black in immature birds, red in adults. Wings are held in a V when soaring, unlike eagles which hold their wings straight out. Birds rock or appear unsteady in flight.
Southern Canada through South America. Migrates to the southern U.S. in the winter.
Open country, roosts in large congregations in secluded woods.
Usually on the ground under cover, sometimes in caves. Lays 2 eggs.
Turkey vultures feed on carrion, which they locate by smell or possibly vision. They are often seen feeding in groups on large items but will eat almost anything.
Considered common in its range, this bird is afforded no special conservation status.
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The Turkey Vulture: Everything You Need To Know | Eating, Sound/Call, Hiss, Flying, Habitat, Attacks
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