Vultures are large birds of prey that are found throughout Ohio. There are two main species of vulture that live in Ohio – the turkey vulture and the black vulture. These scavengers play an important role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion and preventing the spread of diseases. Here is an overview of what Ohio’s vultures look like, their key identification features, behavior, habitat, diet, and conservation status.
Turkey Vulture
The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) is the most common and widespread vulture species found in Ohio. Some key facts about the turkey vulture:
- Identification: Adults have a bright red, featherless head and pale whitish underparts. They have dark brown feathers elsewhere on their bodies. Their wings are two-toned with dark flight feathers and pale linings when spread. Juveniles have a grayish head until they reach about 2 years old.
- Size: These large birds have a wingspan of around 6 feet. They weigh 4-5 lbs on average.
- Behavior: Turkey vultures soar with their wings held in a distinct ‘V’ shape. They roost communally and can often be seen preening in groups.
- Habitat: Turkey vultures occupy a wide variety of habitats including forests, meadows, farmland, suburbs, and wetlands.
- Diet: They exclusively eat carrion or dead animals. Turkey vultures find carcasses by sight and by smell.
- Conservation: Their populations are stable. Turkey vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Turkey vultures can be seen across all parts of Ohio throughout the year. They migrate south for the winter, but many stay in Ohio year-round. In spring and summer, turkey vultures are very common sights circling in the skies over fields and along roadsides.
Black Vulture
Black vultures (Coragyps atratus) are the second vulture species found in Ohio. Here are some identification features and facts about black vultures:
- Identification: All black plumage, gray head and neck, white wing tips seen in flight. Juveniles have gray heads and a dark bill.
- Size: Smaller than turkey vultures with a wingspan around 5 feet. Weigh 4-5 lbs.
- Behavior: Soar with flat, angled wings. More social and aggressive compared to turkey vultures.
- Habitat: Open country, suburbs, roadsides. Roosts in dead trees and on human-made structures.
- Diet: Feeds exclusively on carrion. Will sometimes drive turkey vultures away from carcasses.
- Conservation: Populations are increasing in Ohio. Occur year-round but migrate for winter.
Black vultures are becoming more common in Ohio, expanding from their original southern range. They can be seen in both rural and urban areas across the southern half of the state. Black vultures may gradually displace turkey vultures in some regions.
Differences Between Turkey and Black Vultures
Although they occupy similar ecological niches, there are several key differences between turkey vultures and black vultures:
- Turkey vultures have a red head, while black vultures have a gray head.
- Turkey vultures have a pale whitish beak, but black vultures have a darker bill.
- The wings of turkey vultures form a ‘V’ shape in flight, while black vultures hold their wings flat or in a dihedral.
- Turkey vultures have a better sense of smell to find carcasses, but black vultures rely more on sight.
- Black vultures are more social and aggressive at carcasses.
Best Places to See Vultures in Ohio
Here are some of the top places to spot vultures in Ohio:
- Cedar Bog Nature Preserve – Wetlands area near Urbana with high vulture concentrations.
- Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area – One of the best locations to see both black and turkey vultures.
- Lake Hope State Park – Mature forests with cliff areas used as vulture roosting sites.
- Armleder Park – Wooded parklands along the Little Miami River near Cincinnati.
- Hoover Reservoir – Vultures can be seen year-round circling over this reservoir near Columbus.
- Maumee Bay State Park – Wetlands and Lake Erie shoreline frequented by vultures.
Vultures can also be spotted soaring over agricultural areas, sitting on fence posts, and perched on dead trees. They are most active on sunny days with light winds and thermal air currents.
Interesting Vulture Behaviors
Turkey vultures and black vultures exhibit some fascinating behaviors and adaptations:
- Soaring – Vultures are masters at soaring. They can fly for hours without flapping their wings by gracefully riding thermals and wind currents.
- Roosting – Vultures gather in large communal roosts of up to 100 or more birds. They roost on secluded cliffs, in the canopies of dead trees, and on cell towers and other tall structures.
- Sunning – Cool mornings often find vultures spread out with their wings open towards the sun to warm up.
- Urohidrosis – Turkey vultures cool themselves by urinating or defecating on their legs and feet, taking advantage of evaporative cooling.
- Vomit Defense – When threatened, vultures can regurgitate semi-digested meat as a smelly defense mechanism.
Vulture Conservation
Overall, vulture populations in Ohio are healthy and sustainable. However, there are some conservation concerns, include:
- Loss of habitat – Natural areas are being developed, displacing vulture feeding and nesting grounds.
- Collisions – Vultures are vulnerable to being struck vehicles when feeding on roadkill.
- Lead poisoning – Vultures ingest lead bullet fragments in the carcasses they eat.
- Persecution – Some people dislike vultures and disturb or kill them.
Laws such as the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protect vultures from direct persecution. Conservation measures like adding roadside escape ramps for vultures can also help reduce collisions. Habitat protection and lead ammunition regulations help safeguard vulture populations.
Summary
In summary, Ohio is home to two common vulture species – the turkey vulture and the black vulture. Turkey vultures are more widespread, while black vulture numbers are increasing across southern Ohio. These large, soaring birds play a critical role as nature’s clean-up crew. They help control disease by scavenging dead animal remains before they can rot and spread pathogens. Vultures also help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. By understanding vulture identification, behavior, and conservation needs, Ohioans can support the survival of these fascinating and beneficial species.