David A. Kirk, Michael J. Mossman, Keith L. Bildstein, Julie M. Mallon, and Adrián Naveda-Rodríguez revised the account. Peter Pyle contributed to the Plumages, Molts, and Structure page. Guy Kirwan contributed to the Systematics page. Neil J. Buckley reviewed the account. JoAnn Hackos, Robin K. Murie, and Daphne R. Walmer copyedited the account. Eliza R. Wein revised the distribution map. Arnau Bonan Barfull curated the media. Gracey Brouillard curated the references.
The Turkey Vulture lacks a syrinx and intrinsic muscles (340 Miskimen, M. (1957). Absence of syrinx in the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). Auk 74:104-105. ), but makes various sounds that are difficult to describe and categorize without recordings. Its vocalizations are depicted in both scientific and popular literature with a colorful array of verbs, adjectives, and metaphors, such as grunting, hissing, coughing, sneezing, whining, roaring, snarling, and growling, and resembling the better-known sounds of cats, dogs, herons, snakes, water, wind, etc. (e.g., 341 Davis, D. (1974a). Roosting behavior of the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). Masters Thesis, Idaho State Univ., Pocatello, ID. ). Here, we do our best to describe characteristic sounds given in specific situations, documented when feasible with recordings.
Nestling can give a barely audible squeaky hiss or a peep-peep call on the first day after hatching, when they are still blind and unable to hold up their heads (5 Work, T. H., and A. J. Wool (1942). The nest life of the Turkey Vulture. Condor 44:149–159. , 342 Nelson, R. W., D. Moore, F. Kunnas, and R. Morse. (2009). Turkey vultures : a photographic guide for aging nestlings. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Program No. 124, Edmonton, AB. 44 pp. ). Starting at 4–6 days of age, they emit a stereotyped “Warning Hiss” when disturbed at the nest, described variously as a “persistent and vigorous wheezing-snoring” (61 Ritter, L. V. (1983). Growth, development and behavior of nestling Turkey Vultures in central California. In Vulture Biology and Management (S. R. Wilbur and J. A. Jackson, Editors). University of California Press, Berkeley, CA, USA. pp. 287–302. : 292), a low, throaty, growling, or inhalant hiss, a snake rattle, roaring wind, or “the sound of air rushing out of a fire hose in advance of the water” (342 Nelson, R. W., D. Moore, F. Kunnas, and R. Morse. (2009). Turkey vultures : a photographic guide for aging nestlings. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Program No. 124, Edmonton, AB. 44 pp. ), the quality depending on the age of the nestling, the intensity of hiss, the proximity of the observer, and the acoustic qualities of the nest chamber. The sound lasts 3–7 s, increasing and then decreasing in volume, repeated as quickly as 1–3 s later; the frequency of calls generally increases with proximity and persistence of a threat. It is often given while in characteristic posture with wings partly spread (see Breeding: Young Birds), and by two nestlings at once. The sound generally deepens and lengthens with age . It is given only by nestlings. The nestling or incubating adult also gives a sharp hiss (< 1 s duration) during the Scare Jump (see Breeding). Nestlings may emit vigorous hisses during feeding sessions , the tone deepening with age (M. J. Mossman; RRP/ML recording).
Most frequently heard is guttural hiss given at carcasses and roosts during agonistic interactions, and sometimes when an adult is disturbed at or near the nest. During actual fights with conspecifics or handlers, these hisses can become loud, long and repeated
Gives a “low pitched nasal whine,” repeated at 3 s intervals, while in flight (343 Pemberton, J. R. (1925b). Voice of the Turkey Vulture. Condor 27:38. ); it may begin before flight with a short, staccato, tschuck tschuck repeated several times (344 Allard, H. A. (1934). Voice of the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura septentrionalis). Auk 51:514-115. ). Jackson (8 Jackson, J. A. (1988). Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura. In Handbook of North American Birds. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, USA. ) considered the latter to be the same as the “food call,” which was described by Coles as “short, low, guttural hisses… very much like the clucking of a hen” emitted by an adult when approaching to feed nestlings (207 Coles, V. E. (1938). Studies in the life history of the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura septentrionalis, Wied). Ph.D. thesis, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. : 324-325). Lynch (345 Lynch, W. L. (2006). Vocalizations by adult Turkey Vultures as they arrive at their nest sites during nesting season. Vulture News 54:27–29. ) called this an “arrival call” given by adults while perched before entering a nest cavity during the nestling stage, “emitted in 1 second burst was low, raspy and guttural, sounding similar to a cough”; nestlings response was to hiss, flap their wings, run about, and orient themselves toward the cave opening.
When undisturbed at the nest or during courtship, vocalizations are more of a grunt or “huff”—lower in pitch and in volume than the hisses noted above. While incubating, parents may occasionally give a single, isolated short (0.5–0.75 s) soft grunt. Both male and female often grunt (0.25–1 s duration) while walking to the nest. Both may grunt simultaneously during an exchange at the nest (RRP recording), and sometimes make creaking sounds as well.
The Unique Sounds of the Turkey Vulture
With their large, distinctive silhouettes soaring high in the sky, turkey vultures are a familiar sight in many parts of North and South America. But while we can easily recognize these scavengers by their looks, most people are less familiar with the sounds they make. So what exactly does a turkey vulture sound like?
In this article we’ll explore the vocalizations and non-vocal sounds of the turkey vulture to gain a better appreciation of the acoustic world of this fascinating species.
Vocal Limitations
To begin with, it’s important to understand that turkey vultures have physical limitations on their ability to vocalize. Unlike songbirds, turkey vultures lack a syrinx, the sound-producing organ in birds’ trachea. They also lack intrinsic muscles needed to modulate their vocalizations.
This anatomical constraint means turkey vultures do not have the capacity to sing complex songs or calls. But they can still produce a variety of sounds to communicate.
Descriptions and Recordings
While lacking in melody, turkey vulture vocalizations make up for it in distinctiveness. When listening to recordings, you’ll likely agree their sounds are oddly charismatic. Here are some of the key turkey vulture sounds:
-
Hissing – The most common turkey vulture vocalization is a raspy hiss or sneeze-like wheeze. It’s given frequently at roosts and feeding sites. The hiss serves as an agonistic signal during conflicts over carrion.
-
Grunting – Adult turkey vultures may grunt or huff softly when exchanging parental duties at the nest or showing agitation. The lower-pitched grunt contrasts with the higher-pitched hiss.
-
Whining – A nasal, whiny moan is made by turkey vultures soaring in flight. It consists of drawn-out notes repeated every few seconds.
-
Begging calls – Nestlings beg for food with hoarse peeping calls that shift to louder hisses as they mature.
-
Warning hiss – Disturbed nestlings produce a bellowing defensive hiss, accompanied by partially spread wings.
-
Mating calls – Mates make rhythmic, grunting hisses during copulation.
As these descriptions suggest, many turkey vulture sounds resemble noises we might attribute to mammals like cats, dogs, or even humans. While they may seem somewhat comical, the sounds are vital to turkey vulture communication.
Context and Functions
The context in which turkey vultures vocalize gives clues to the function and meaning of their sounds:
-
Alarm/threat – Hisses, grunts, and warning hisses serve to alarm intruders and signal aggression.
-
Food begging – Nestling peeps and hisses stimulate feeding by parents.
-
Contact calls – Whines and grunts maintain contact between mates and offspring.
-
Copulation – Rhythmic mating calls coordinate reproductive behavior.
So while limited in repertoire, turkey vulture vocalizations effectively serve key communication needs, especially at carcasses, roosts, and nest sites.
Nestling Development
The sounds turkey vulture chicks make change dramatically as they grow and develop:
-
Hatchlings – Newly hatched chicks make barely audible squeaking peeps.
-
4-6 days old – Hissing begins but is wheezy and subdued.
-
2 weeks old – Warning hiss strengthens to a raspy bellow.
-
3 weeks old – Begging call becomes a louder, hoarser hiss.
-
Fledging – Juveniles can give full adult vocalizations.
As you can hear from recordings, the increase in volume, harshness, and stamina of sound from hatchling to fledgling is quite remarkable.
Other Sounds
In addition to vocalizations, turkey vultures can make other non-vocal sounds:
-
Wing flapping – The loud, rhythmic flapping of wings serves as an alarm and threat.
-
Wing clapping – Nestlings may clap their wings together over their backs when harassed.
-
Stomping – Disturbed chicks stamp their feet, which resonates in nest cavities.
So turkey vulture wings are not just for soaring, they also provide a means of communication and defense through dramatic acoustic displays.
Similarity to Other Vultures
The vocalizations of turkey vultures share some qualities with their close relatives:
-
Black vultures – Also make grunts and hisses, but calls sound lower-pitched and hoarser.
-
California condors – Nestlings have wheezing, hissing food begs. Adults are mostly silent.
-
King vultures – Give loud, whimpering wails when feeding or threatened.
-
Andean condors – Make a variety of wheezing and grunting sounds at roosts.
While all vultures are limited vocally, each species has its own distinctive sounds suited to their lifestyles. The turkey vulture is no exception with its raspy, mammal-like vocal style.
The Sounds of Scavenging
Turkey vultures are famously silent while soaring the skies searching for food. But upon arriving at carrion, they switch on their vocalizations readily. The sudden eruption of hisses, grunts, and wheezes from a flock of turkey vultures when food is found is a wild chorus to experience firsthand.
Their sounds complement the visual drama as a dozen or more vultures jostle for position while feeding. The calls serve to communicate status, threats, and intentions as each bird tries to get its fill. It’s easy to see why turkey vulture gatherings could seem chaotic and intimidating without an appreciation of the purpose behind their sounds.
So while turkey vultures will never serenade us with melodious song, their raspy vocalizations have an almost mammalian character that is fascinating in its own right. Next time you hear a turkey vulture overhead or see a group at a roadkill buffet, listen closely to these avian scavengers and gain a new perspective on their world of sight and sound. The hisses, grunts, and begs all contribute to the turkey vulture’s success as one of nature’s most efficient cleanup crews.
The Key to Scientific Names
The Turkey Vulture lacks a syrinx and intrinsic muscles (340 Miskimen, M. (1957). Absence of syrinx in the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). Auk 74:104-105. ), but makes various sounds that are difficult to describe and categorize without recordings. Its vocalizations are depicted in both scientific and popular literature with a colorful array of verbs, adjectives, and metaphors, such as grunting, hissing, coughing, sneezing, whining, roaring, snarling, and growling, and resembling the better-known sounds of cats, dogs, herons, snakes, water, wind, etc. (e.g., 341 Davis, D. (1974a). Roosting behavior of the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura). Masters Thesis, Idaho State Univ., Pocatello, ID. ). Here, we do our best to describe characteristic sounds given in specific situations, documented when feasible with recordings.
Nestling can give a barely audible squeaky hiss or a peep-peep call on the first day after hatching, when they are still blind and unable to hold up their heads (5 Work, T. H., and A. J. Wool (1942). The nest life of the Turkey Vulture. Condor 44:149–159. , 342 Nelson, R. W., D. Moore, F. Kunnas, and R. Morse. (2009). Turkey vultures : a photographic guide for aging nestlings. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Program No. 124, Edmonton, AB. 44 pp. ). Starting at 4–6 days of age, they emit a stereotyped “Warning Hiss” when disturbed at the nest, described variously as a “persistent and vigorous wheezing-snoring” (61 Ritter, L. V. (1983). Growth, development and behavior of nestling Turkey Vultures in central California. In Vulture Biology and Management (S. R. Wilbur and J. A. Jackson, Editors). University of California Press, Berkeley, CA, USA. pp. 287–302. : 292), a low, throaty, growling, or inhalant hiss, a snake rattle, roaring wind, or “the sound of air rushing out of a fire hose in advance of the water” (342 Nelson, R. W., D. Moore, F. Kunnas, and R. Morse. (2009). Turkey vultures : a photographic guide for aging nestlings. Alberta Sustainable Resource Development, Fish and Wildlife Division, Alberta Species at Risk Program No. 124, Edmonton, AB. 44 pp. ), the quality depending on the age of the nestling, the intensity of hiss, the proximity of the observer, and the acoustic qualities of the nest chamber. The sound lasts 3–7 s, increasing and then decreasing in volume, repeated as quickly as 1–3 s later; the frequency of calls generally increases with proximity and persistence of a threat. It is often given while in characteristic posture with wings partly spread (see Breeding: Young Birds), and by two nestlings at once. The sound generally deepens and lengthens with age . It is given only by nestlings. The nestling or incubating adult also gives a sharp hiss (< 1 s duration) during the Scare Jump (see Breeding). Nestlings may emit vigorous hisses during feeding sessions , the tone deepening with age (M. J. Mossman; RRP/ML recording).
Most frequently heard is guttural hiss given at carcasses and roosts during agonistic interactions, and sometimes when an adult is disturbed at or near the nest. During actual fights with conspecifics or handlers, these hisses can become loud, long and repeated
Gives a “low pitched nasal whine,” repeated at 3 s intervals, while in flight (343 Pemberton, J. R. (1925b). Voice of the Turkey Vulture. Condor 27:38. ); it may begin before flight with a short, staccato, tschuck tschuck repeated several times (344 Allard, H. A. (1934). Voice of the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura septentrionalis). Auk 51:514-115. ). Jackson (8 Jackson, J. A. (1988). Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura. In Handbook of North American Birds. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT, USA. ) considered the latter to be the same as the “food call,” which was described by Coles as “short, low, guttural hisses… very much like the clucking of a hen” emitted by an adult when approaching to feed nestlings (207 Coles, V. E. (1938). Studies in the life history of the Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura septentrionalis, Wied). Ph.D. thesis, Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY. : 324-325). Lynch (345 Lynch, W. L. (2006). Vocalizations by adult Turkey Vultures as they arrive at their nest sites during nesting season. Vulture News 54:27–29. ) called this an “arrival call” given by adults while perched before entering a nest cavity during the nestling stage, “emitted in 1 second burst was low, raspy and guttural, sounding similar to a cough”; nestlings response was to hiss, flap their wings, run about, and orient themselves toward the cave opening.
The Turkey Vulture makes harsh, short, rapid (2–3/second) hissing-grunting sounds during copulation (M. J. Mossman).
When undisturbed at the nest or during courtship, vocalizations are more of a grunt or “huff”—lower in pitch and in volume than the hisses noted above. While incubating, parents may occasionally give a single, isolated short (0.5–0.75 s) soft grunt. Both male and female often grunt (0.25–1 s duration) while walking to the nest. Both may grunt simultaneously during an exchange at the nest (RRP recording), and sometimes make creaking sounds as well.
Language (en)
Species names in all available languages| Language | Common name |
|---|---|
| Basque | Sai indioilarra |
| Bulgarian | Пуйков лешояд |
| Catalan | zopilot capvermell |
| Croatian | crvenoglavi lešinar |
| Czech | kondor krocanovitý |
| Dutch | Roodkopgier |
| English | Turkey Vulture |
| English (United States) | Turkey Vulture |
| Estonian | kalkunkondor |
| Finnish | kalkkunakondori |
| French | Urubu à tête rouge |
| French (Canada) | Urubu à tête rouge |
| German | Truthahngeier |
| Haitian Creole (Haiti) | Malfini karanklou |
| Icelandic | Kalkúnhrævi |
| Japanese | ヒメコンドル |
| Norwegian | kalkunkondor |
| Polish | sępnik różowogłowy |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | urubu-de-cabeça-vermelha |
| Portuguese (Portugal) | Urubu-de-cabeça-vermelha |
| Russian | Катарта-индейка |
| Serbian | Ćurkasti lešinar |
| Slovak | kondor morkovitý |
| Slovenian | Puranji jastreb |
| Spanish | Aura Gallipavo |
| Spanish (Argentina) | Jote Cabeza Colorada |
| Spanish (Chile) | Jote de cabeza colorada |
| Spanish (Costa Rica) | Zopilote Cabecirrojo |
| Spanish (Cuba) | Aura tiñosa |
| Spanish (Dominican Republic) | Aura Tiñosa |
| Spanish (Ecuador) | Gallinazo Cabecirrojo |
| Spanish (Honduras) | Zopilote Cabeza Roja |
| Spanish (Mexico) | Zopilote Aura |
| Spanish (Panama) | Gallinazo Cabecirrojo |
| Spanish (Paraguay) | Cuervo cabeza roja |
| Spanish (Peru) | Gallinazo de Cabeza Roja |
| Spanish (Puerto Rico) | Aura Tiñosa |
| Spanish (Spain) | Aura gallipavo |
| Spanish (Uruguay) | Cuervo Cabeza Roja |
| Spanish (Venezuela) | Oripopo |
| Swedish | kalkongam |
| Turkish | Hindi Akbabası |
| Ukrainian | Катарта червоноголова |
David A. Kirk, Michael J. Mossman, Keith L. Bildstein, Julie M. Mallon, and Adrián Naveda-Rodríguez revised the account. Peter Pyle contributed to the Plumages, Molts, and Structure page. Guy Kirwan contributed to the Systematics page. Neil J. Buckley reviewed the account. JoAnn Hackos, Robin K. Murie, and Daphne R. Walmer copyedited the account. Eliza R. Wein revised the distribution map. Arnau Bonan Barfull curated the media. Gracey Brouillard curated the references.
Turkey Vulture Sounds
FAQ
What kind of noise do turkey vultures make?
Calls. Turkey Vultures lack the vocal organs to make proper songs. Most of their vocalizations come down to a form of low, guttural hiss made when they are irritated or vying for a better spot on a carcass. They also may give a low, nasal whine while in flight.
What birds are mistaken for turkey vultures?
Similar SpeciesZone-tailed Hawk
Zone-tailed Hawks of the southwestern U.S. are similarly shaped and fly with a similar style, but they have light bands in the tail, and a larger, fully feathered head unlike Turkey Vultures, which have an unbanded tail and a bald head.
Are turkey vultures bad to have around?
-
Diet:They almost exclusively eat already dead animals, so they won’t attack healthy creatures.
-
Non-aggressive:Turkey vultures are not aggressive towards humans and will typically only be bothered if they feel threatened.
-
Potential issues:
- Messy droppings: Their droppings can accumulate on structures, creating an unpleasant odor.
- Aesthetic concerns: Large numbers of vultures roosting on buildings can be visually unappealing.
- Structural damage: In rare cases, large gatherings of vultures on structures may cause minor damage.
- Messy droppings: Their droppings can accumulate on structures, creating an unpleasant odor.
Will a turkey vulture pick up a small dog?
None. Most vulture species, but especially the Turkey vulture, have weak flat feet with long toes and blunted talons, poorly suited for gripping or carrying objects. So Turkey vultures are physically incapable of picking up animals the way eagles and hawks do, much less a 100 lb dog.
Do turkey vultures make a sound?
As turkey vultures do not have a syrinx – the vocal organ of birds – they are unable to sing or make melodic calls. However they do sometimes make bill-clacking or billing noises. This is produced by the rapid opening and closing of the beak, and causes a clicking or cracking sound.
Why do turkey vultures make a hissing noise?
Hissing noises are common among Turkey Vultures. They hiss when they feel threatened. This sound is a warning to stay away. Turkey Vultures can also make growling sounds. These sounds are less common but can be heard during fights. The growls are part of their defense mechanism. Turkey Vultures use these sounds to communicate with each other.
Do turkey vultures have a vocal system?
Unlike many birds, turkey vultures do not have a complex vocal system. Their sounds are limited to low hisses and grunts. This unique feature makes them different from other birds of prey. Turkey vultures are widespread in the Americas, thriving in various environments. Their keen sense of smell helps them locate food from great distances.
How do turkey vultures communicate?
Instead, they make a variety of noises to communicate. These sounds include grunts, hisses, and growls. Turkey Vultures often make grunting sounds. These sounds are usually heard during feeding. The grunts help them communicate with other vultures.
Why do turkey vultures growl?
The growls are part of their defense mechanism. Turkey Vultures use these sounds to communicate with each other. They don’t use songs or calls like other birds. Instead, they rely on grunts, hisses, and growls. Turkey vultures are large birds with unique sounds.
Do turkey vultures squawk?
No, turkey vultures do not squawk. They make hissing and grunting sounds instead. These sounds are typically low and raspy. What Birds Are Mistaken for Turkey Vultures?