In late 2023 I was fortunate enough to visit Cuba with David from Travels with Birds. And what a great trip it was!
One of the birds we saw pretty much every day was the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). This is the most widespread of the New World vultures being found from Southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. Although it probably won't win any beauty contests (and neither will I) it's an impressive bird.
Like most other vultures, the Turkey Vulture lacks a syrinx - the part of the 'throat' that birds use to make complex sounds- , so it can only utter hisses and grunts.
The Turkey Vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion, and can often be seen feeding on road kill. It is a large bird, with a wingspan of 160–183 cm, a length of 62–81 cm , and weight of 0.8 to 2.41 kg. The Turkey Vulture is gregarious and roosts in large community groups, breaking away to forage independently during the day.
They may not be good looking, but they are rather wonderfully well adapted.
The next two pictures show a Turkey Vulture standing with their wings fully outstretched. This behaviour is known as the "horaltic pose" or "sunning". This behaviour is important for thermoregulation, hygiene, and feather maintenance. The Sun's UV rays help kill bacteria and parasites (like feather lice and mites) that accumulate in their feathers, as well as drying out bacteria that may have been transferred to the bird's feather from from decaying meat. This pose is a great example of a behavioural adaptation.
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In Jamaica they call those birds John Crow. Interesting post and facts today. Thank you
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThe face only a mother could love - but hey, each to their own! Your photos, as ever, do credit to the bird in lens. YAM xx
A magnificent bird and thank you for the wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful series of photos, Stewart!!!
ReplyDeleteVultures are a constant here in Costa Rica. They love the roads because of roadkill and the beaches because of the fishing boats.
ReplyDeleteYou got some great pictures, Stewart. I am not sure whether you met Judy Wyatt while you were here, but she says she wants to come back as a Turkey Vulture. You just cruise around all day and never have to cook dinner! Might appeal to many!
ReplyDeleteI only managed overhead shots of these birds. The sunning shots are amazing!
ReplyDeletewe saw a kind of Turkey Vulture, may be different species, around our areas.....interesting bird.
ReplyDeletegreat shots...
Great shots Stewart Love the light through its wings in some of the flight shots. Thanks for shoting and commenting. Have lovely week ahead
ReplyDeleteI like watching them fly, or rather float on the wind.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots from the archives, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteLove seeing the turkey vultures, they have left our area for the winter but we look forward to seeing them soaring above the fields come spring.
ReplyDeleteTurkey vultures are such fascinating birds, ugly, yes, but brilliantly adapted. I love that “horaltic pose” explanation; who knew sunning could be so important for hygiene and thermoregulation?
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