| MRCC Ambassador Raptors |
| Pilgrim Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Adult Female Weight: 4 pounds Wingspan: 70 inches Length: 30 inches |
Turkey Vultures have exceptional soaring abilities and can travel long distances in
search of carrion. To identify Turkey Vultures in flight, look for a two-toned gray and
black underwing and a strong dihedral ( upward "V" wing position). Due to their large
wing span and light body weight, vultures have a characteristic rocking motion while in
flight.
Vultures have unfeathered heads, long necks, hooked beaks for tearing food, and flat
feet for bracing and pulling on carcasses.
Vultures do not construct nests, but will use tree hollows, cliff cavities, or a scrape on the
ground to lay 1-2 egg. They are migratory and can be found in Montana in the summer
months.
On display by permission of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
(Federal Permit #PRT-810728)
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This vulture was found near
Whitehall, MT. in October 1993. The
wrist and elbow joints of her left wing
were severely traumatized. She is
non-releasable due to the irreparable
wing damage and an inability to
sustain flight.
Whitehall, MT. in October 1993. The
wrist and elbow joints of her left wing
were severely traumatized. She is
non-releasable due to the irreparable
wing damage and an inability to
sustain flight.
| photo by Ellen Goff |