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.
Common Names
| 🇨🇦 | Turkey Vulture |
| 🇫🇷 | Urubu à tête rouge |
| 🇩🇪 | Truthahngeier |
| 🇲🇽 | Urubú de cabeza roja |
Taxonomy
| Order | Cathartiformes |
| Family | Cathartidae |
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 |
Explore More
📖 Wikipedia Page: For more information about this species.
🎧 Apple Podcast: About this species' biology, behavior and ecological importance.
Best Locations and Seasons for Sightings
This species inhabits the Montreal area exclusively during late spring and summer and can be observed soaring over parks in search of carrion.
| 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 de la Frayère | x | x | - | - |
| Parc des Rapides | x | - | - | - |
| Parc des Étangs Antoine-Charlebois | x | - | - | - |
| Saguenay St. Lawrence Marine Park | - | x | - | - |
| Parc national du Bic | x | - | - | - |
| Parc Nature Pointe aux Prairies | 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 my park visit journals.
Identification and Similar Species
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.
All content on this page — including photos, videos, and field audio recordings — was created by Karl-Heinz Müller, a Montréal-based wildlife filmmaker, sound recordist, and photographer. Founder of MUUUH and Québec Sauvage, he has spent over a decade documenting Canada’s natural habitats through immersive soundscapes and wildlife films. Learn more about Karl-Heinz
Last updated: 2025-10-23