2 Types of Vultures in Florida and Where to Find Them (ID Guide)
Do you Love Vultures in Florida? Have you ever seen a vulture soaring high above, making you curious about these fascinating birds in Florida? This state is a haven for bird lovers, with two main types of vultures: the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture. Let’s learn about their unique features and where they live in Florida.
What makes these vultures different, and where can you see them? Let’s explore Florida’s vulture world together. We’ll look at their looks, behaviors, and the best places to see these amazing birds.
vultures in Florida
If you love birdwatching or exploring Florida’s nature, you might have seen its two vulture types: the turkey vulture and the black vulture. Both are important scavengers in the ecosystem. Knowing how to tell them apart can be fun.
Identifying Turkey and Black Vultures
Here are some ways to spot the difference:
- The turkey vulture has a reddish, bare head, while the black vulture’s head is dark gray and bare.
- When flying, the turkey vulture’s wings form a slight “V” shape. The black vulture’s wings are flat and straight.
- The turkey vulture has a long, thin tail. The black vulture’s tail is shorter and wider.
Black vultures use their eyes to find food, while turkey vultures use their strong smell to locate carrion.
Vulture Behavior and Interactions
Watching these vultures can also help you tell them apart. They have huge wingspans, up to nine feet wide. You might see them flying in circles or sitting on fences and trees in open places or near water.
Black vultures often follow turkey vultures to food, then push them away to eat by themselves.
“If a group of vultures is circling, there is likely something of interest on the ground.”
Knowing about these vultures’ looks and actions helps us see their important role in Florida’s nature. By watching and identifying them, we can learn more about the world around us.
1. Turkey Vulture
- Scientific name – Cathartes aura
- Lifespan – 16 years (average)
- Size – (64 to 81 cm)
- Weight – (800 to 2400 g)
- Wingspan – (170 to 178 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Turkey Vulture is a large bird of prey found in Florida. It has long, broad wings and a unique two-toned underwing pattern. This makes it easy to recognize as it flies over the landscape.
Physical Characteristics
Turkey Vultures are big birds, about 25 to 32 inches long and weighing 2 to 6 pounds. They have a wingspan of up to 72 inches, making them one of the biggest raptors around. Their adult heads are red and mostly bare, with a short, hooked beak.
Their feathers are mostly dark brown or black. They have a pale gray or silvery-gray underwing that looks two-toned when flying. This color helps tell them apart from other vultures, like the Black Vulture.
Nesting
Turkey Vultures don’t build nests. They lay their eggs in safe spots like cliff ledges, caves, burrows, or hollow trees. The breeding season starts in March and peaks from April to June.
Their eggs hatch in 35 to 40 days, and the young take 55 to 90 days to leave the nest. These vultures can live over 16 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.
Diet
Turkey Vultures eat only carrion, which is the flesh of dead animals. They use their strong sense of smell to find food. Most of their diet is mammals, but they also eat plants or prey on young, sick, or weak animals.
They often gather in groups to eat. Their unique flight style, with minimal wingbeats, helps them save energy while searching for food.
Population Status and Conservation
The Turkey Vulture population is growing in North America. They are not considered endangered. In the United States, they are protected by law and it’s illegal to kill them without the right permits.
Where to Find Turkey Vultures in Florida
You can see Turkey Vultures all over Florida, especially in open areas like roadsides, suburbs, and farm fields. They are big and easy to spot as they fly around, looking for food.
“Vultures have historically been considered symbols of strength and were once thought of as spiritual messengers.”
2. Black Vulture
- Scientific name – Coragyps atratus
- Lifespan – 10 years (average)
- Size – (60 to 68 cm)
- Weight – (1600 to 2200 g)
- Wingspan – (137 to 150 cm)
- Status – Least concern
The Black Vulture is a unique bird in Florida’s vulture family. It’s big, with broad wings and a short tail. It stands out with its black feathers and silver tips on the wings. Its bare, grey head adds to its striking look.
Physical Characteristics
Smaller than the Turkey Vulture, the Black Vulture is about 24-27 inches long and has a 5-5.5 foot wingspan. It has a rounder body than other vultures. Look for silvery-white patches on its wing underside when it flies.
Nesting
Black Vultures don’t build nests like other birds. They lay their eggs on the ground in hidden spots. Both parents take turns incubating the 1-3 eggs. The young birds stay with their parents for months, learning how to find food and survive.
Diet
Black Vultures eat mostly dead animals, finding them from high above. They use their sharp eyes to spot food. They eat both fresh and old carcasses, helping to keep the environment clean. Sometimes, they hunt and kill small animals like skunks and lambs.
Population Status and Conservation
The Black Vulture is not considered endangered, with its numbers growing over the years. They have moved north because of plenty of food and good places to nest. Thanks to a ban on DDT, their population is now stable and growing.
Best Locations for Vulture Watching in Florida
If you love birds and want to see Florida’s amazing vultures, you’re in for a treat. Florida is full of these incredible birds, and there are great places to watch them. From the Everglades to coastal preserves, these spots are perfect for vulture watching.
Check Our Previous Articles:
The Everglades National Park is a top spot for vulture watching. It’s a huge wetland where turkey vultures and black vultures thrive. At the Royal Palm Visitor Center, you can see many birds coming together to eat carrion.
Don’t miss the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. It’s full of different habitats that bring in many vultures. You can see both turkey and black vultures flying or sitting in trees and on power lines.
| Location | Vulture Species Observed | Unique Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades National Park | Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures | Large populations, known for vehicle damage |
| J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge | Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures | Diverse habitats, excellent birding opportunities |
| Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge | Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures | Coastal habitats, good for photography |
The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is great for vulture fans. It has both turkey and black vultures flying over marshes and lagoons. The refuge’s varied landscapes are perfect for taking photos of wildlife.
These are the best places to see vultures in Florida. Whether you’re into birdwatching, nature, or just curious about these birds, these spots are ideal. So, bring your binoculars, be patient, and go to these top spots to see these amazing birds up close.
Final Thoughts:
Vultures in Florida have two Species: the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture. These birds are key to the ecosystem. They clean up animal remains and stop diseases from spreading. Even though they may not look pretty, vultures are vital for the environment’s health. Birdwatchers in Florida can see these interesting birds in many places.
Despite issues like property damage and health risks, vultures are important for nature’s balance. We need to understand and value their role in the ecosystem. By teaching people and using smart management, we can help these amazing scavengers flourish in Florida.
If you love nature or just want to learn about Florida’s wildlife, exploring vultures is rewarding. So, always be on the lookout and have your binoculars ready. You might see a Turkey Vulture or a Black Vulture flying high.
