Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is a large, dark-brown scavenger known for its distinctive soaring flight and reliance on carrion for sustenance. During the summer months, this species resides in the Montreal area and can often be observed soaring over parks in search of carrion.
| 🇫🇷 | Urubu à tête rouge |
| 🇩🇪 | Truthahngeier |
| 🇲🇽 | Urubú de cabeza roja |
| Taxonomy | |
| Order | Cathartiformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
How to Identify
This bird species is easily identifiable by the color and shape of its head when observed closely. From a distance, it appears almost black and is often seen flying in circles, typically in groups with others of its species.
Tap image to enlarge
Tap image to enlarge
Click on photo to enlarge.
Characteristics
| Length | 62-81cm |
| Weight | 0.8-2.4kg |
| Wingspan | 160-183cm |
| Clutch Size | 1-3 eggs |
| Incubation | 34-41 days |
| Fledging | 70-80 days |
| Sexual Maturity | 3-5 years |
| Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
This species inhabits the Montreal area exclusively during late spring and summer and can be observed soaring over parks in search of carrion.
Observation Records by Park and Season
| Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belvédère Outremont | x | x | - | - |
| Jardin Botanique de Montréal | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | - |
| Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Mont Saint-Bruno | - | x | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | x | - | - | - |
| Parc de la Frayère | x | x | - | - |
| Parc des Rapides, Lachine | x | - | - | - |
| Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park | - | x | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.