Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura) are a common sight in the skies over much of the continental United States. These large, dark birds are easily identified by their bald red heads, dark brown plumage, and distinctive dihedral soaring pattern. But turkey vultures are not evenly distributed across the US. Their range and density varies based on climate, habitat, and food availability. Here we examine where turkey vultures are most abundant and why.
Turkey Vulture Range
Turkey vultures are found across much of the southern half of the continental US. Their breeding range extends from southern Canada south throughout the US into Mexico. Turkey vultures are found year-round in the southernmost parts of their range including Florida, southern Texas, Arizona, and southern California. In more northern parts of their range, turkey vultures migrate south for the winter.
The turkey vulture’s range overlaps broadly with that of its close relative, the black vulture. However, black vultures reach their northern limit around southern Virginia and are not found farther north apart from rare vagrants. Turkey vultures range much farther north into Canada due to their greater tolerance for cooler temperatures.
Western US
In the western US, turkey vultures occur throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming. They are generally absent from higher elevations in mountain ranges such as the Rockies. Turkey vultures occur year-round in warmer southwestern states like California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. More northern populations in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana migrate south for the winter months.
Midwest US
Turkey vultures occupy most of the Midwest region including Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. As in the West, turkey vulture populations that breed in Canada and the northern Midwest migrate south for winter while more southern populations may remain year-round. The densest populations occur in more southerly states like Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
Northeast US
In the Northeast, turkey vultures breed from Maine south to Virginia. Northern populations again migrate south for winter, while southern populations may remain year-round. States like New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey have sizable breeding populations in summer. Coastal areas and the Appalachian Mountains provide abundant nesting habitat.
Southeast US
The Southeast United States represents the core of the turkey vulture’s range. They occur year-round and reach their highest densities in states like Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The warm climate and abundance of dead animals to feed on support large turkey vulture populations.
Turkey Vulture Habitat
Turkey vultures occupy a wide range of habitats across their broad geographic range. They thrive in areas that provide adequate food sources, nesting sites, and thermal updrafts for soaring.
Cliff Faces
Turkey vultures nest on cliff ledges, crevices, caves, and bluffs. Steep, rugged areas with natural cavities provide ideal nesting habitat. In the western US, turkey vultures nest in cliff faces within rocky canyons and mesa areas. In the east, they nest on bluffs, rock outcrops, and cave entrances.
Deciduous Forests
Mature deciduous forests interspersed with meadows provide excellent turkey vulture habitat especially in eastern North America. Turkey vultures nest in tree hollows and forage over open meadows and edge habitats within these forest ecosystems.
Coastal Areas
Coastal environments attract turkey vultures scavenging on dead marine life along beaches and dunes. Barrier islands, salt marshes, and mangrove forests are occupied by both migratory and resident populations along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Coasts.
Rural Farmlands
Rural agricultural areas provide bountiful food sources for turkey vultures in the form of livestock carcasses. Pastures, fields, fences and barns offer lookout perches while barns and other structures provide potential nest sites.
Suburban/Urban Areas
Turkey vultures adapt readily to suburban and urban habitats. They nest on abandoned buildings, transmission towers, and bridges while scavenging on roadkill and garbage. Urban populations are increasing in concert with expanding human development.
Ideal Turkey Vulture Habitat
The most ideal turkey vulture habitat features a mix of the following elements:
- Abundant food sources, especially medium-sized mammal and bird carcasses
- Cliffs, outcrops, caves, crevices, or hollow trees for nesting/roosting
- Adjacent open habitats for foraging such as meadows, pastures, fields, beaches, etc.
- Thermal updrafts for efficient soaring such as hills, cliffs, urban centers
- Limited human disturbance
Many state parks, nature preserves, and rural private lands offer this mix of habitat features. Protected cliff habitats adjacent to agricultural meadows or coastal marshes provide prime turkey vulture nesting and foraging grounds in many areas.
Turkey Vulture Density and Population Centers
Turkey vulture populations are not evenly distributed across their expansive range. Regional habitat conditions lead to areas of higher and lower density. Climate also influences populations, with highest densities in warmer southern regions.
Southern States
The southern United States supports the highest breeding densities of turkey vultures anywhere in their range. Abundant food year-round allows southern populations to thrive. High-density regions include:
- Florida – Abundant food on beaches, marshes, suburbs
- Coastal Texas – Habitat along Gulf Coast beaches and rangelands
- Southeastern Coastal Plain – Extensive wetland and forest ecosystems
- Southern Appalachian Mountains – Rugged cliffs and rural farmlands
Mid-Atlantic Region
The Mid-Atlantic region represents the northern limit of year-round turkey vulture occupancy. Moderate winters allow populations to persist in:
- Virginia
- Maryland
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Forests, wetlands, suburbs and cities provide habitat. Migrants swell populations in summer.
Western Strongholds
In the West, turkey vultures reach their highest densities in habitats that offer nest sites and reliable food:
- Central California Coast – Nesting on sea cliffs
- Central Valley – Foraging on abundant wildlife
- Arizona – Nesting in canyons, foraging in deserts
- New Mexico – Cliff nesting sites
- Texas Hill Country – Rugged topography
Declining Northern Populations
Once abundant summer residents, turkey vulture numbers have declined across much of their northern range including:
- Midwest – Conversion of farmland habitat
- Northeast – Loss of pastures and meadows
- Canada – Habitat loss on breeding grounds
Milder winters associated with climate change may also be reducing migratory habits in some northern populations.
Seasonal Distribution Shifts
As a partially migratory species, turkey vulture distribution shifts seasonally across much of their range. Migration is timed to avoid harsh winters and food shortages.
Fall Migration
Fall migration begins in September and continues through November as birds move south from northern breeding areas towards wintering grounds. Juveniles often migrate later, from October through December.
Spring Migration
Spring migration north begins as early as February in the south, lasting into April or May as birds return to breeding territories. Migration peaks March-April. Harsh weather may delay migrants.
Winter Range
The turkey vulture’s winter range extends from southern Canada (southern Ontario, southern British Columbia) south throughout the southern US and Mexico. Migrants concentrate in the southernmost US states and Mexico where food is most abundant.
Summer Range
The summer breeding range reaches from southern Canada south through the continental US into Mexico. Northern populations are migratory while southern populations are resident year-round.
Concentration Areas
Beyond breeding and wintering ranges, turkey vultures concentrate in large numbers at migratory bottlenecks and seasonally abundant food sources.
Migratory Corridors
Turkey vultures funnel through migratory corridors including:
- Central America – Panama region
- Florida – Keys and peninsula
- Texas – Narrowed coastline
- Veracruz, Mexico – Coastal plains
Thousands of migrants converge along these routes.
Winter Roosts
Turkey vultures gather in huge communal roosts, especially in winter. Major roost sites include:
- South Carolina – 20,000+ vultures
- Florida – 5,000-10,000 vultures
- Arizona – Up to 1,000 vultures
- Hawaii – Hundreds on Maui and Big Island
Roosts form near abundant food sources.
Migration Stopovers
Key stopover areas provide food resources for migrating turkey vultures to rest and refuel, such as:
- Monhegan Island, Maine – Up to 400 birds in fall
- Cape May, New Jersey – Hundreds of migrating vultures
- Veracruz, Mexico – Major migratory bottleneck
Vultures concentrate at these sites when winds favor migration.
Distribution Drivers
Several key factors influence the distribution and abundance of turkey vultures across their range:
Food Availability
Turkey vultures occupy areas near large sources of carrion, including:
- Large mammals – Deer, livestock, roadkill
- Medium birds – Chickens, ducks, gamebirds
- Aquatic animals – Fish, turtles, marine mammals
Scavenging provides almost all of their diet.
Climate
As a heat-loving species, turkey vultures thrive in warm climates. Cold temperatures limit their northern range and migratory habits. Warm areas support resident populations.
Topography
Hilly and mountainous areas provide critical nesting and roosting sites in cavities and on cliff ledges. Nearby open areas provide foraging habitat.
Human Impacts
Turkey vultures adapt readily to human-altered habitats. They thrive around agriculture providing carrion sources and nest/roost sites. Expanding wind energy facilities are an emerging hazard.
Habitat Destruction
Northern breeding populations have declined with habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural intensification. Protection of breeding and foraging areas is critical.
Population and Conservation Status
With a relatively healthy global population, the turkey vulture remains widespread and common over much of its range. However, the species faces some conservation threats.
Global Population Estimate
The global turkey vulture population likely numbers 5-10 million mature individuals. The species has a vast range and large total population.
Population Trends
- Increasing: Southern US, West Coast, urban regions
- Stable: Much of breeding range at lower densities
- Decreasing: Northern fringe of breeding range in Canada
Overall turkey vulture numbers appear to be increasing in North America.
Conservation Status
The turkey vulture is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its large and growing population. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 10 million.
Threats
Major threats include:
- Habitat loss in some regions
- Collisions with vehicles and wind turbines
- Poisoning from lead ammunition in carrion
- Disturbance of nest sites
Conservation of nesting habitats, reduction of hazards, and protection at vulnerable roosts/migration sites will benefit the species. With proactive management, turkey vultures are likely to remain common and widespread.
Conclusion
In summary, turkey vultures occupy a broad range across much of North America south of Canada. Highest densities occur in the southern US and West Coast where the climate is warm year-round. Rugged landscapes with cliffs and caves provide nesting sites. Access to abundant carrion sources such as medium-sized mammal and bird carcasses drives distribution patterns. While still common, habitat loss and emerging hazards like wind turbines are conservation concerns, especially for northern breeding populations. With protection of key habitats and reduction of threats, the turkey vulture’s future across North America looks promising.