So You Saw a Buzzard in Oklahoma? Here's Your Guide to the State's Feathered Garbage Disposal Crew
Ever been cruising down a highway in Oklahoma and seen a magnificent creature circling overhead, its wingspan wider than your wildest dreams? No, it's not a UFO (though with those creepy red heads, who can blame you for wondering?), it's most likely a vulture, nature's own sanitation department! But hold on there, vulture enthusiast (or maybe vulture-curious?), Oklahoma boasts not one, but two of these fascinating feathered friends. Buckle up, because we're about to take a beak-to-beak look at these sky-borne scavengers.
The OG Oklahoma Vulture: The Turkey Vulture
This bad boy, also known as the buzzard (yes, that's them!), is the undisputed king of the Oklahoma vulture scene. Easily identified by their naked red heads (perfect for sticking in a vat of cranberry sauce, if you're the comparing-vultures-to-food type), turkey vultures have a masterful wingspan that can reach up to nine feet! They soar gracefully on thermals, barely needing to flap those massive wings, looking for their next delicious...well, let's just say not-so-fresh... meal.
Turkey Vulture Fun Facts:
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
- Keen sense of smell: Unlike most birds, turkey vultures rely on their impressive schnoz to locate deceased critters. They can sniff out a buffet from miles away!
- Solar-powered snoozing: These vultures are big fans of sunbathing. They spread their wings wide to absorb heat, which is pretty metal if you ask us.
- Peaceful eaters: Despite their, ahem, interesting dietary choices, turkey vultures are actually quite gentle scavengers. They wait for other animals to take down prey before swooping in for the leftovers.
The Up-and-Coming Vulture: The Black Vulture
Black vultures are the new kids on the block, slowly expanding their territory into Oklahoma. Spot them by their black heads and shorter tails (think of them as the punk rock vultures compared to the turkey vulture's classic rock vibe). While they might not be as common as turkey vultures, black vultures are just as important to the ecosystem, cleaning up after nature (and sometimes, unfortunately, after ranchers' livestock).
Black Vulture Not-So-Fun Facts (but still interesting!):
QuickTip: Skim first, then reread for depth.
- Less picky eaters: Unlike their turkey vulture counterparts, black vultures might sometimes attack weak or newborn animals. This can be a real pain for ranchers, but hey, gotta eat what you gotta eat, right?
- Hissy fits: Black vultures are known for throwing little tantrums when threatened, hissing and spreading their wings to appear intimidating. All bark and no bite, these guys!
- Vultures are bros: Both turkey vultures and black vultures are social birds, often roosting and feeding together. It's a vulture party!
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| What Kind Of Vultures Are In Oklahoma |
So You've Encountered an Oklahoma Vulture: FAQ
How to identify a turkey vulture vs. a black vulture?
Easy! Turkey vultures have red, naked heads, while black vultures, well, have black heads (shocking, we know).
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How to avoid attracting vultures to your yard?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
Vultures are scavengers, so they're not interested in your backyard BBQ (although, maybe skip the burnt chicken wings?). Just keep your trash sealed tight and dispose of any deceased animals properly.
How dangerous are vultures?
Vultures are more interested in dead things than live ones. They pose no threat to humans (besides maybe giving you a fright with their creepy appearance).
QuickTip: The more attention, the more retention.
How long do vultures live?
These scavengers are surprisingly long-lived! Turkey vultures can live up to 20 years in the wild.
How can I learn more about vultures?
The internet is your oyster (or should we say, vulture carcass)! There are tons of resources online about these fascinating birds.
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