So You Think You Saw a Feathered Undertaker in Michigan? A Guide to Michigan's Vulture Variety (Because It's Not Always Gobblers All the Way Down)
Let's face it, vultures aren't exactly the peacocks of the bird world. But these masters of carrion removal play a vital ecological role, and hey, they can be pretty darn fascinating flyers! So, if you're cruising down a Michigan road and see a giant, circling shadow overhead, you might be wondering: what kind of vulture is that?
The Most Likely Suspect: The Turkey Vulture
Michigan's most common vulture is the aptly named turkey vulture. These impressive birds have a wingspan that can reach up to nine feet, wider than most king-size beds (though hopefully less likely to give you nightmares). They soar effortlessly on thermal currents, barely needing to flap their wings. Their keen sense of smell, yes, smell, helps them locate tasty (or shall we say, not-so-tasty) deceased animals. Fun fact: Turkey vultures have a bald head for a reason – it helps them keep cool while chowing down on a not-so-fresh buffet, and prevents feathers from getting matted with, well, you get the idea.
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The Occasional Party Crasher: The Black Vulture
While the turkey vulture is the star of the Michigan vulture show, there's a rarer possibility: the black vulture. These slightly smaller scavengers have a more hooked beak and a reddish head (when not obscured by feathers, that is). They're more aggressive eaters than turkey vultures and might even chase other scavengers away from a meal. Think of them as the vultures who like things a little more "extra." Spotting a black vulture in Michigan is a bit of a birding trophy, but don't go out searching specifically for them – turkey vultures are the much more common sight.
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| What Kind Of Turkey Vultures Are In Michigan |
How to Tell the Vultures Apart:
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- Wingspan: Turkey vultures are bigger, with a wingspan of up to 9 feet, while black vultures are closer to 6 feet.
- Head: Turkey vultures have a bald head, while black vultures have a feathered head (sometimes with a reddish hue).
- Beak: Turkey vultures have a straighter beak, while black vultures have a hooked beak.
So There You Have It!
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Next time you see a vulture circling overhead in Michigan, you'll be a vulture-spotting extraordinaire! Remember, these amazing birds are nature's clean-up crew, and they deserve a little respect (even if their dinner choices might not be ours).
Turkey Vulture FAQs:
- How to identify a turkey vulture in flight? Look for their rocking, V-shaped wings and broad tail. They also tend to circle in large groups.
- How to attract turkey vultures? You can't really attract them, as they scavenge for dead animals. But if you have a farm with open fields, you might see them more often.
- Do turkey vultures attack humans? No, they are scavengers and not interested in live prey.
- Are turkey vultures endangered? No, they are a widespread and common species.
- What is the sound of a turkey vulture? They don't vocalize much, but they might hiss or grunt occasionally.
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