Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are large, blackish vultures found throughout most of North and South America. They are known for their impressive wingspans, bald red heads, and keen sense of smell, which allows them to locate carrion. Turkey vultures are mostly silent birds, but they do make some unique vocalizations.
Hissing
One of the most common noises made by turkey vultures is a hissing sound. This is often made when the bird feels threatened, such as when approached too closely. The hiss is produced as the turkey vulture exhales sharply, and sounds like a loud, snake-like hissing. It is thought to be used both to warn potential predators away and to alert other vultures in the area to danger.
Grunting
Turkey vultures also produce soft grunts and croaks. These guttural vocalizations can sound almost mammal-like. Grunts are made in a variety of social situations, including when approaching a carcass, jostling for position at a carcass, or when courting or interacting with a mate. The context and tone of the grunt appears to convey information to other vultures.
Billing
As turkey vultures do not have a syrinx – the vocal organ of birds – they are unable to sing or make melodic calls. However they do sometimes make bill-clacking or billing noises. This is produced by the rapid opening and closing of the beak, and causes a clicking or cracking sound. It often accompanies aggressive displays towards other vultures competing for food.
Screeching
When extremely agitated, cornered, or defending the nest, turkey vultures may produce a harsh, loud screech. This abrasive vocalization can sound disturbingly human-like. It serves as an intense warning to back off. Turkey vulture chicks may also screech when hungry or when defending themselves at the nest.
Other Noises
Turkey vultures can produce other sounds by clapping their wings together or stamping their feet. These percussive sounds are used for communication at the nest. Turkey vulture chicks vocalize through begging calls, squeals, and hisses when seeking food from their parents.
Purpose of Sounds
Most turkey vulture vocalizations serve social purposes rather than territorial ones. Because they do not sing, turkey vultures appear to rely more on body language and vocal tones rather than specific melodies to communicate. The unique sounds turkey vultures make allow them to identify carcasses, signal alarm, jostle for position, and appease mates or chicks.
Conservation Status
Turkey vultures are widespread and common across their habitat range. They are not considered threatened or endangered. Their scavenging lifestyle provides an important ecological service. Some key facts about turkey vulture conservation status:
- IUCN Red List Category: Least Concern
- Global population estimate: 4,500,000 – 5,000,000
- Population trend: Decreasing but at a rate of less than 30% over 10 years
- Threats include habitat loss, poisoning, and collisions with vehicles
- Legally protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act
While still relatively common, turkey vulture populations in some regions have declined moderately in recent decades. Continued conservation efforts are needed to monitor and protect vulnerable populations and maintain sustainable habitats for these unique scavengers.
Turkey Vulture Sounds
Here is a quick summary of the sounds made by turkey vultures:
Sound | Description | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Hissing | Loud, snake-like exhaling | Warning/alarm call |
Grunting | Guttural croaks and grunts | Communication at food source |
Billing | Bill clacking | Aggressive display |
Screeching | Harsh, loud screeches | Intense warning |
Conclusion
In summary, turkey vultures are remarkably vocal for birds that lack typical avian vocal structures. They produce a range of hisses, grunts, bills, screeches, and other sounds to communicate with each other at carcasses, when courting and nesting, and for defensive warnings. Their unique sounds complement their distinctive appearance and ecology as scavengers.
For my third subheading, I have highlighted some of the important points about turkey vulture vocalizations:
- They hiss loudly when threatened to ward off predators
- Guttural grunting serves social functions like communication at food sources
- Billing or bill-clacking is an aggressive signal to other vultures
- Screeches are intense, harsh warnings
- Body language and vocal tones appear more important than melodies
- Sounds allow Identification of carcasses, signaling alarm, competition for food, and communication at the nest