Vultures are scavengers regularly misidentified as
buzzards (birds from the Buteo genus). They are reviled because of their
nourishment: primarily carrion (dead animals), preferably fresh.
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| Turkey Vulture - photo Charlie Corbeil |
Two
species inhabit Florida—New World vultures. Turkey vultures are dark brown with
bare red heads; black vultures, slightly smaller, display bare gray heads. Both
species are social and occasionally flock together.
Wingspans extend up to 6 feet for turkey vultures
and over five feet for black vultures. They glide on thermals (rising air
currents) searching for carrion. Wings positioned in a slight “V” distinguishes
turkey vultures, master soarers. Less efficient black vultures soar with wings
straight and flap more. Besides flight, food quests rely on keen eyesight,
smell, and sound.
Turkey vultures possess a heightened sense of
smell. They are instrumental in locating gas-line leaks (which smell like
carrion) because they circle above. At times, they fly low to detect gas
escaping from beginning decay in animal remains. Black vultures are deficient
in smelling abilities; a group might have to follow a turkey vulture (commonly
forages solitarily) and seize its meal.
Preferred habitats are relatively open areas,
including suburban regions. Routinely, vultures (referred to as a “wake” when
feeding) devour roadkill, hopping while boldly dodging traffic. Vocalization is
released in grunts and hisses. Harassment promotes regurgitation to reduce
weight for immediate flight. Moreover, the malodor deters
aggressors.
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| Turkey Vulture - photo Brett Pigon |
Occasionally, vultures need to kill for
survival—sick or disabled prey, rarely healthy. Ranchers abhor black vultures
because they aggressively pursue newborn calves and periodically cows giving
birth.
Since carrion harbors disease, featherless heads
allow cleaner feeding (also regulate body temperature). A spread-wing stance
bakes off bacteria. Corrosive stomach acid, almost comparable to battery acid,
kills ingested bacteria. Consequently, excretions are free of disease.
Therefore, urine released on legs serves as a sanitizer and cooling agent.
Perilous are toxins, lead, and drug residue in consumed carrion. In India and
surrounding countries, veterinary diclofenac in cattle carcasses acutely reduced
vultures.
Reproduction commonly includes laying 2 eggs,
perhaps on the ground or under palmetto
thickets. Little or no nest structure
exists. Black vultures might decorate the surroundings with colored plastic
debris, glass shards, and bottle caps. Weak legs and blunt talons are
ill-adapted for grasping and transporting food to chicks; therefore, nourishment
is swallowed, stored in the crop (pouch in throat), and later disgorged to
offspring.
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| Black Vultures - photo Brett Pigon |
Unquestionably, vultures are invaluable: they
restrict the spread of disease by consuming carrion. Furthermore, scientists
anticipate training vultures to locate crime victims. Appreciation occurs
yearly in September during International Vulture Awareness Day.
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| Black Vultures smell a meal - photo Brett Pigon |
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| Eagle watches the vultures to steal a meal | - photo Brett Pigon |
Joseph Scalia, 7, placed 1st in the writing category
for his age group at this year’s The Charlie Corbeil Conservation Awards
Youth Arts Contest. Joseph claims, “Conservation is important because the
trees help make oxygen and give the animals a home.” He submitted a
haiku.
Viera Wetlands at Night
I
heard a strange sound
I
think it was coyotes
Roaming the Wetlands
Turkey vultures and coyotes have a somewhat
symbiotic relationship. Even with hooked beaks, vultures sometimes find a hide
impenetrable. Persistent, they circle above. Eager coyotes are alerted; these
able mammals rupture the hide and partake first. When they are satiated, the
vultures finally feed
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| Is Dinner Ready? - photo Brett Pigon |
