Vulture

A vulture is a scavenging bird of prey that feeds mainly on carrion.

A vulture is a scavenging bird of prey that feeds mainly on carrion. Vultures are divided into Old World vultures and New World vultures, which evolved separately but occupy similar ecological roles. In North America, turkey vultures range north into southern Canada, making the bird relevant to Canadian wildlife observation and conservation.

Classification

Vultures are not a single closely related lineage. Modern sources generally place them in two families: Accipitridae for Old World vultures and Cathartidae for New World vultures, with 23 living species in total.

Distribution and habitat

Vultures occur across tropical and temperate regions of the world, including the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are absent from Antarctica and Australia in the cited sources. Turkey vultures range into southern Canada, making the species part of Canadian wildlife.

Ecology and diet

Most vultures are obligate scavengers that feed on carrion. Their scavenging role helps clean up carcasses and reduce the spread of disease.

Physical characteristics

Vultures are generally large birds with broad wings for soaring and bare heads and necks that help keep them cleaner while feeding. Their hooked bills are adapted for tearing flesh.

Evolution

Old World and New World vultures evolved similar traits independently because they fill the same ecological niche. This makes them a classic example of convergent evolution.