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