Today, I was driving past a small man-made lake and saw this big bird. It was brownish-black with a red skin head. It had a yellow hooked beak. It flew in the air and I could tell that it was a vulture. I know that vultures live mainly in dry climates...but what would make a vulture come to Illinois, where it's starting to get cold? Also, can it survive here in Illinois especially as it starts to become winter?
2007-10-10 17:43:16 · 5 answers · asked by Kilene 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
The Turkey Vulture population is on the rise... we have more Turkey Vultures here in the suburbs of Western Pennsylvania this year than I have ever seen in my entire life, with some occasionally appearing overhead of my own yard (when the crows aren't chasing them off). Turkey Vultures are found all over the US, not just in dry/hot climates.
They are incredible survivors, and surely if it gets too chilly, they'll find a warmer place if need be.
2007-10-10 17:48:59 · answer #1 · answered by Rachel 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My answer is just a "me too" to the other great answers, but I probably see turkey vultures several times a week here in the suburbs of Northern Virginia. You can tell turkey vultures in the air because they look like what you'd imagine a hawk or eagle looks like, in other words they're big and magnificent looking when they soar, but they are typically in groups rather than solitary and their wings make a bit of a V where hawks and eagle wings will be flat across. Turkey vultures also have white across the back half of their wings which you can spot from the ground if they're right overhead.
2007-10-10 20:29:23 · answer #2 · answered by FairlyErica 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like the Peregrine Falcon is reappearing in New York City, other types of birds are bound to start becoming common in largely developed areas.
The collateral damage to wildlife from human expansion can be seen lying dead on the sides of the roads. This is what attracts many of the scavenger species to suburban areas. There’s still just enough preserved land to allow some animals to live while the busy traffic and human activities provide enough food for species like Ravens, Crows and Vultures to exist comfortably.
Turkey Vultures can be spotted in most climates throughout North America. They’re a hearty bird and can withstand cold as well as hot temperatures.
2007-10-10 18:41:16 · answer #3 · answered by lerxstwannabe 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Actually Turkey Vultures are quite common. They are not just found in desert areas. I live in the suburbs and see them often. They are found year round in some parts of the US, but more common in the summer time. It is migration time now, so many may be passing through your state on their way south. See range map below:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Turkey_Vulture.html
2007-10-10 17:54:44 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Vultures live throughout the U.S. They usually migrate south, not like South America but South. They are common at garbage dum ps everwhere.
2007-10-10 17:49:17 · answer #5 · answered by Charles C 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋