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Characteristics
Vultures are not classified as raptors, but
can be mistaken for a soaring hawk or eagle because
of their size. Turkey Vultures are able to eat carrion
and contaminated meat due to specialized enzymes and
bacteria in their digestive systems. Has an excellent
sense of smell, far superior to that of the Black Vulture,
which often follows the Turkey Vulture to a dead meal.
Soars for long periods by following the rising thermals
or hot air currents. Soars with a slight dihedral in
wings, and rocks as it soars. Very social bird; roosts
in flocks of several dozen in one tree. Their only natural
defense is to project their vomit onto the attacker
(you!), and do so up to six feet if provoked. Generally
hisses loudly as a warning but don't push this. The
stuff didn't smell very good when it went in, and assuredly
hasn't improved since! Very useful as one of nature's
garbage men. Immature birds have a black head, and black
beaks which turn white as the bird matures. The adults
have the characteristic bald, red head. These birds
have weak feet, and do not use them for seizing prey.
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