The question of whether vultures inhabit Georgia has a clear answer: two distinct species, the Turkey Vulture and the Black Vulture, are abundant and reside in the state year-round. These large, dark-feathered birds are a common sight, soaring high above Georgia’s diverse landscapes. Both species are native to the region. Distinguishing between them requires observing their physical features and behavior in flight.
Identifying Georgia’s Two Vulture Species
Distinguishing between the two species involves looking for specific physical markers and flight characteristics. The Turkey Vulture is noticeably larger, with a wingspan up to six feet, and is identified by its bald, reddish-pink head in adulthood. When soaring, it holds its broad wings in a shallow “V” shape (a dihedral), causing it to appear slightly wobbly as it catches air currents. The underside of its wings is two-toned, featuring dark leading edges and lighter, silvery-gray flight feathers.
The Black Vulture is smaller, more compact, and features a bald, dark gray to black head. In flight, it holds its wings flat, leading to a more stable and direct soaring pattern compared to the Turkey Vulture. A defining feature is the distinct white patch near the tips of its primary wing feathers. Black Vultures flap their wings more often, alternating quick beats with short periods of gliding, unlike Turkey Vultures which soar for long periods without flapping.
A significant behavioral difference lies in how they find food. The Turkey Vulture has an exceptionally developed sense of smell, detecting mercaptan, a gas released by decaying organisms, from a distance. The Black Vulture has a poor sense of smell and relies on sight, frequently watching for the descending flight of Turkey Vultures to locate a meal. Once a carcass is found, the more aggressive Black Vultures often dominate the feeding site.
Vultures’ Role in the Ecosystem
Vultures serve a necessary function as obligate scavengers, consuming animal carcasses that would otherwise decompose slowly. By rapidly cleaning up carrion, they prevent the proliferation of bacteria and insects associated with decaying flesh. This natural removal service limits the spread of diseases that can affect wildlife, livestock, and humans.
The birds are biologically equipped for this role, possessing highly acidic stomach systems that neutralize dangerous pathogens. Their digestive acids are potent enough to kill bacteria that cause serious illnesses like anthrax, botulism, and rabies. Without this cleanup crew, disease transmission risks increase among other scavengers that lack the same biological defenses. Vultures provide a continuous service that contributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.
Protected Status and Handling Conflicts
Both Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This law prohibits the “take” of these birds, including killing, capturing, selling, or possessing them, their nests, or their eggs without authorization. Any action to harm or remove a vulture requires a Migratory Bird Depredation Permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Although generally beneficial, vultures occasionally cause conflicts, such as roosting in large numbers on communication towers or damaging property like rubber seals on vehicles and roofing materials. When conflicts arise, non-lethal deterrent methods are recommended. Strategies include hazing the birds with noise makers, water spray, or bright lights to discourage roosting. Hanging an effigy (a fake dead vulture) is an effective visual deterrent that prompts the birds to scatter. Removing sources of attraction, such as exposed garbage or animal remains, helps manage their presence near human structures.