by Marissa Hansen
Alberta is home to a myriad of wildlife, but one bird holds a special place as the province’s only vulture—the turkey vulture (Cathartes aura). With a face only a mother could love and a job no one else wants, this scavenger is an unsung hero of Alberta’s ecosystems. Let’s dive into the world of the turkey vulture, where beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and dinner is always a bit past its prime.
Habitat: The High Flyers of Alberta
Turkey vultures are the ultimate free spirits, gliding effortlessly on thermal updrafts high above Alberta’s southern and central regions. These birds are all about open spaces—think prairies, river valleys, and farmlands, where they can scope out their next meal from on high. They’re not picky about where they sleep either, often roosting in tall trees, cliffs, or even abandoned buildings. As they continue their northward march, more and more Albertans might find themselves looking up to see these dark-winged figures circling in the sky, like something straight out of a Western.
Diet: Gourmet of the Gruesome
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to be nature’s cleanup crew, look no further than the turkey vulture’s diet. These birds are connoisseurs of carrion, feasting on the deceased with a gusto that would put most restaurant critics to shame. But here’s the kicker—they don’t just rely on their sharp eyesight to find food; they’ve got a super-sniffer that can detect the sweet scent of decay from miles away. It’s a skill that not only fills their bellies but also keeps Alberta’s landscapes clean and disease-free.
Quirky Behaviours: The Oddballs of the Avian World
Turkey vultures aren’t just known for their diet; they’ve got some quirky behaviours that make them stand out in the bird world. For starters, their flight skills are legendary—they can soar for hours with barely a flap of their wings, riding thermals like avian surfers. This isn’t just for fun; it’s an energy-saving technique that lets them cover vast distances while saving energy.
Turkey vultures also have a rather unusual way of keeping cool. Instead of heading to the nearest bird bath, they practice “urohidrosis,” which is a fancy term for peeing on their legs. It sounds gross, but it’s actually an effective cooling method—Mother Nature is nothing if not resourceful!
Social butterflies they are not, but when it comes time to roost, turkey vultures are all about community. These birds love to gather in large groups, creating a scene straight out of a Hitchcock movie as they settle down for the night.
Conservation Status and Threats: Thriving, but Watch Out!
Turkey vultures might not win any beauty contests, but they’re doing pretty well for themselves in Alberta. Currently, they’re not considered at-risk, which is great news for the province’s natural cleanup efforts. However, like many wildlife species, they face threats from habitat loss and poisoning from chemicals and pesticides. Occasionally, they’re mistaken for birds of prey that could threaten livestock, leading to unnecessary persecution. But for the most part, these adaptable birds are holding their own and even expanding their range as the climate warms and more food becomes available.
Expanding Range: On the Move in Alberta
Turkey vultures are the ultimate opportunists, and they’ve been making the most of Alberta’s changing landscapes. Over the past few decades, their range has been steadily expanding northward, bringing these scavengers into new territories. As they push further into Alberta, it’s likely that they’ll become an increasingly familiar sight. So, if you spot a vulture circling overhead, don’t be alarmed—just remember that they’re doing their part to keep the environment clean, one decaying carcass at a time.
Conclusion: Celebrating Alberta’s Unlikely Hero
The Turkey vulture might not be the flashiest bird in Alberta, but it’s certainly one of the most fascinating. With their eerie beauty, quirky behaviours, and crucial role in the ecosystem, these birds deserve a little recognition. So, the next time you see a turkey vulture soaring high above, give a nod to this misunderstood scavenger—it’s working hard to keep Alberta beautiful, one rotten meal at a time.
References
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology. “Turkey Vulture.” All About Birds. Accessed August 20, 2024. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Turkey_Vulture/overview.
- Government of Alberta. “Wildlife Status: Turkey Vulture.” Accessed August 20, 2024. https://www.alberta.ca/turkey-vulture.aspx.
- National Audubon Society. “Turkey Vulture.” Audubon Field Guide. Accessed August 20, 2024. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/turkey-vulture.
