Turkey Vultures -- Scary Scavengers

The Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, in this YouTube talks about his role in nature, cleaning disease out of the environment. Yes, this vulture actually talks, even though the species doesn't have a voice box (syrinx) and is silent except for hisses and grunts. I've sub-titled the vulture's comments, since his voice is somewhat somewhat raspy and strange-sounding.

The Turkey Vulture, is a scavenger that feeds mostly on dead animals. Many people misunderstand this bird, thinking that it carries disease and is a sorcerer of death. In reality, the Turkey Vulture is part of nature's clean-up crew. Strong stomach acids kill virtually all bacteria and viruses that pass through its digestive system. Its droppings are disease-free and can be used for hand sanitizer. These birds defecate urine and feces directly on their feet, which kills bacteria and parasites they've collected from previous meals.

Don't disturb a vulture while eating a meal; it may vomit an awful, nasty, smelly goo. This behavior scares away most predators. Also by hurling the meal, the vulture becomes lighter and can fly away more easily.

These birds may look ugly and unpleasant to many people, but Turkey Vultures have been an important source of guidance and inspiration. Orville and Wilber Wright designed their first powered aircraft based on a Turkey Vulture's wings.

Turkey Vultures find their food using excellent vision and a keen sense of smell. The part of the brain responsible for processing odor is particularly large, compared to other birds. A pipeline company used their sense of small to find leaks in their lines by identifying where the birds were circling.

Vultures are incredible creatures. They have been revered by many cultures throughout history. The ancient Hebrews admired vultures ability to "float" on the air for log spans of time, without flapping a wing. In Egyptian culture, vultures also played an important role. One of the most famous goddesses in the early nile, believed to have brought forth all that exists, is depicted with the head of a vulture. In Native American culture, the vulture was regarded as a very important totem animal. Representing cleansing of the spirit and strength to accept difficulty, it was a spiritual figure for many.

Visit the Turkey Vulture Society website for more information: http://vulturesociety.homestead.com/

Jeff "Dr. Chordate" Moran gave permission to use his song, Culture of the Vulture, in this video. See his website: http://www.tranquility.net/~scimusic/

Videography by Ken Kramm.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Turkey Vulture
• vulture
• death
• disease
• clean-up crew
• nature
• scary scavenger
• halloween
• defensive vomiting
• horror
• garbage collector
• bird
• Dr. Chordate
• Ken Kramm

[vaibanez17]

I used to see these all the time in Fort Smith, AR. I never see them here in West Virginia. You could watch them circle for 20 minutes then finally they would swoop down and land and walk around. Sometimes they would grab live mice but mostly you saw them trying to eat deer that had been hit and killed on the roadways.

[KennethKramm]

@vaibanez17 Thanks for your comments and information. Ken

[MeemawsMovies]

..also? during the ten years of observation, I noticed that their grunting was more predominant during very early spring each year, the mating season.

[KennethKramm]

@MeemawsMovies Cool. Thanks for sharing. Perhaps you can do a video on your observations? Sounds like you have a great deal to share. Ken

[MeemawsMovies]

Two of my best friends are turkey vultures! I volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center and got to know 2 of the most entertaining personalities. I heart all vultures.

[KennethKramm]

@MeemawsMovies Agree. TVs have interesting personalities.

[KennethKramm]

@yogozarfy Thanks for sharing your personal experience. Ken

[yogozarfy]

"Don't disturb a vulture while eating a meal; it may vomit an awful, nasty, smelly goo. This behavior scares away most predators. Also by hurling the meal, the vulture becomes lighter and can fly away more easily."

I've experienced this before, from my time working in a rehab center for animals. There are no words to describe the smell; I'll just say I almost lost my lunch seconds after the vulture did. It doesn't wash off easily, either.

[KennethKramm]

@DimebagsZombie Wonderful comments. So true.