Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

This Turkey Vulture was admitted mid-winter of 1988.  In early fall,  Turkey Vultures migrate from Colorado to the Gulf Coast and into South America.  So when RMRP received a call in mid-winter about a Turkey Vulture on the ground in a pasture, we already knew he was in trouble. Diagnostics revealed that he had an old, healed fracture of the left wrist and severe arthritis, which is often associated with old fractures.  This gave him a wing droop and made it so that he could not fly more than short distances.  In addition to their yearly migration, Turkey Vultures may fly hundreds of miles daily to find dead things to eat.

Unlike the other raptors we care for, Turkey Vultures do not actually kill their own food. They use their keen sense of smell and great vision to scavenge carcasses.  This bird came in with adult plumage, so we are not certain about his age- but we do know he was over 30 years old when he passed!

Turkey Vultures are known to be intelligent, shy, and mischievous creatures. This bird, with us since 1988, was no exception. As an Educational Ambassador, he taught people that Turkey Vultures are not only beautiful up close, with their iridescent feathers and vivid red heads, but they are important garbage collectors of the world. At every event he attended, this bird fostered appreciation for the numerous, amazing adaptations vultures have evolved. He grew a loyal following of fans throughout Northern Colorado.