Turkey vultures are closely related to Storks and are not considered raptors.
At the EcoTarium
Our Turkey Vulture, Stan, lives in the bird house, located along the outdoor wildlife path. Stan has a permanent wing injury and cannot fly.
About Turkey Vultures
Native to South America and most of North America, the Turkey Vulture can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and mountains. It was named for its resemblance to the wild turkey, with its dark brown or black body and red head. Turkey Vultures have bald heads, which helps keep parasites in check.
Like other vultures, the Turkey Vulture feeds on carrion (dead animals) and rarely hunts. They are solitary creatures, and can soar great distances alone in search of food. Most birds have a poor sense of smell, but Turkey Vultures primarily use smell to find food. In fact, they’re so good at smelling potential food that other species of vultures often follow them around.