Vultures are a common and widespread part of Florida’s diverse ecosystem, frequently observed soaring across the entire state. These large, dark-feathered birds are specialized scavengers, meaning their diet consists primarily of carrion, or dead animals. Their presence is a year-round occurrence due to the warm climate and consistent availability of food sources. Florida is home to two distinct, readily identifiable species that fulfill this important environmental role.
Identifying Florida’s Two Vulture Species
Florida hosts two vulture species: the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) and the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus). Distinguishing between the two often comes down to observing their flight patterns and head coloration. The Turkey Vulture has a bare, reddish head in adulthood and exhibits a distinct two-toned underwing, with silvery-gray flight feathers contrasting a dark forewing.
When soaring, the Turkey Vulture holds its wings in a slight “V” shape, known as a dihedral, causing it to wobble or rock noticeably from side to side. Conversely, the Black Vulture has a dark, grayish-black head and entirely black plumage, except for white patches near the tips of its wings. Black Vultures hold their wings flatter while soaring and generally flap their wings more frequently than their relatives. They also have a shorter, broader tail compared to the Turkey Vulture’s longer tail, giving them a more compact appearance in flight.
Vultures’ Role in the Ecosystem
Vultures are nature’s highly efficient cleanup crew, providing a sanitation service that benefits the environment and public health. Their diet of decaying animals is crucial for the rapid removal of carcasses from the landscape. By consuming carrion, they interrupt the lifecycle of pathogens that can be harmful to other wildlife and humans, helping prevent the spread of disease.
The digestive system of these birds is uniquely adapted, possessing strong stomach acids that neutralize dangerous bacteria and toxins found in decomposing flesh. Turkey Vultures rely on an excellent sense of smell to locate carrion, often finding meals that are only 12 to 24 hours old. Black Vultures have a weaker sense of smell and often locate food by watching where Turkey Vultures descend, leading to both species frequently congregating at a single carcass.
Protection Status and Managing Human Conflict
All vultures in Florida are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. This act prohibits the harming, capturing, or killing of the birds, their eggs, or their nests without specific authorization. This legal status means that any management action taken against vultures must be non-lethal, focusing on harassment or deterrence. Conflicts arise when vultures, particularly Black Vultures, begin to roost communally on human-made structures, leading to property damage.
These large roosts can cause damage by tearing up rubber roofing, shingles, pool screens, and stripping the rubber from vehicle windshield wipers and seals. The accumulation of their droppings is also corrosive and can stain buildings and equipment. Non-lethal deterrents, such as loud noises, water spray from a garden hose, or the installation of vulture effigies, are permitted methods to encourage the birds to move elsewhere. Effigies, which are fake vulture carcasses hung upside down, are effective at dispersing Black Vulture roosts because they signal danger to the flock.
If non-lethal harassment methods fail and the vultures continue to cause significant property damage, a federal Migratory Bird Depredation Permit is required for any action that could result in the “take” of a vulture. This permit, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is necessary before lethal removal or intensive harassment techniques can be employed. Property owners experiencing conflict should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services for guidance in navigating the permit process and implementing legal deterrents.