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.
Turkey vultures are iconic scavengers of the sky, soaring gracefully on thermal updrafts as they search for their next meal. But despite their ubiquity across much of North and South America, many people have never heard the sounds these birds can make.
Turkey vultures lack the songbird-like vocal abilities of many other avian species. However, they have evolved a range of grunts wheezes and hisses that communicate different needs. Here’s a guide to understanding turkey vulture vocalizations and what they mean.
Turkey Vultures Don’t Have a True Voice
The key to the turkey vulture’s limited vocal abilities lies in its anatomy. In songbirds, a specialized organ called the syrinx located where the trachea branches into the two bronchi enables production of melodious bird songs. The syrinx contains vibrating tissues that act like vocal cords.
Turkey vultures and other raptors lack a syrinx. This means they have no true voice or ability to sing. Any sounds they make are produced through vibration of tissues in the throat and mouth rather than a syrinx.
So while we may assign verbal descriptions to their sounds like hissing, grunting or wheezing these don’t come close to the diversity and complexity of sound that songbirds can achieve. Turkey vulture vocalizations are simple, guttural and harsh compared to the beautiful warbling of many songbirds.
Hissing When Irritated or Competing Over Food
The most common turkey vulture sound is a loud, threatening hiss. It’s given when the bird feels irritated or is jostling over a food source. The hiss is deep and guttural, similar to a snake.
When competing with flock mates over a fresh carcass, the hisses can become more frequent and aggressive-sounding. This vocalization seems to communicate a “back off” threat to the other vultures.
You may also hear this hissing sound directed at humans who get too close to a turkey vulture on the ground. It’s their way of signaling you’re invading their space. The hiss clearly says “leave me alone.”
Nasal Squeaking and Whining During Flight
Another common turkey vulture vocalization is a high-pitched, nasally squeak or whine. This sound is mostly heard when the birds are soaring in groups.
The wheezing “whine” seems to function as a way for the vultures to communicate with each other during flight. Since they soar communally while searching for food, the whine may help coordinate the flock and alert other birds to potential food sources.
Some describe the whine as similar to a short whistle or the sound of wind blowing. It carries across the sky as the vultures circle in their distinctive teetering pattern on thermals.
Rhythmic Beak Clattering at Evening Roosts
In addition to flight calls, turkey vultures also vocalize at their evening roost sites. As they arrive at the roost, they snap their beaks rapidly, producing a staccato clattering sound.
This beak clacking seems to help coordinate the roosting activity as the birds jostle for position in trees and ready for sleep. With communal roosts sometimes numbering in the hundreds of birds, the sounds facilitate orderly spacing on branches.
So the beak clatter is a way for the vultures to “talk” to each other as they congregate at the end of the day. It dissipates once they settle in for the night.
Hatchlings Can Hiss and Huff
Even newly hatched turkey vultures with their eyes still closed can make some simple sounds. The hatchlings give faint squeaky hisses and “peep” calls when distressed. As they grow over a few weeks, these hisses develop into louder, more adult-like hissing.
Parents also vocalize softly when visiting the nest to feed the young. They give muted grunts and huffs, perhaps to communicate their presence to the hatchlings. The chicks respond with excited hisses and wing-flapping when they hear an adult arrive with food.
Why Turkey Vultures Make Minimal Sounds
The limited vocal organ of turkey vultures explains why they don’t have a wide repertoire of vocalizations. However, the key sounds they are able to make using other anatomical structures clearly serve important communication functions.
The hisses, grunts and wheezes convey threats, facilitate feeding and coordinate flock movements and roosting. So while turkey vultures will never sing a pretty song, they aren’t completely silent birds. Their eerie rasps and wheezes suit their unusual lifestyle perfectly.
Turkey Vulture Sounds Compared to Other Species
To understand the limited vocal abilities of turkey vultures, it helps to compare them to songbirds and raptors with more complex voices:
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Songbirds – Most other common backyard birds like chickadees, cardinals and finches have a highly developed syrinx. This allows them to produce diverse melodious songs and calls.
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Red-Tailed Hawks – Raptors like red-tails lack a syrinx but have a wider range of vocalizations than turkey vultures. Red-tails make shrill alarm calls and pleading food begging calls that turkey vultures can’t produce.
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Crows – Crows have a voicebox and make a remarkable variety of caws, rattles and even squeaky door hinge sounds. Turkey vulture vocalizations sound primitive in comparison.
So while fun to listen to, the grunts and hisses of turkey vultures will never have the beauty and information content of songbird vocalizations. Their sounds are simple and utilize basic anatomical structures but do serve the purpose for this unique soaring scavenger.
Tips for Identifying Turkey Vultures by Sound
Turkey vulture vocalizations are limited in scope but with some practice, they can aid in identifying these birds. Here are some tips for recognizing turkey vultures by sound:
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Listen for deep, loud hissing coming from groups of soaring birds. This signals jostling or threats between flock mates.
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High, whistling whines indicate turkey vultures communicating in flight. The sound carries well and contrasts with their silent soaring.
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Watch evening roosts for rhythmic beak clacking as the birds arrive at their sleeping trees.
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Don’t expect to hear the varied songs and calls of songbirds or the shrill screams of raptors like hawks. Turkey vulture sounds are primitive and guttural.
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Young turkey vultures hiss softly when disturbed at the nest. Adults make quiet grunts and huffs when visiting the hatchlings.
Any hisses, wheezes or whines coming from soaring or roosting blackish raptors likely indicate the presence of turkey vultures. Understanding their limited vocalizations allows birders to distinguish them from true songbirds or more vocal raptor species.
Turkey vultures occupy an important niche in the ecosystems of the Americas as wide-ranging scavengers. Their distinctive bald heads and graceful flight make them easily recognizable. However, many observers have never stopped to appreciate the sounds these birds can produce.
Learning the unique grunts, hisses and wheezes of turkey vultures allows us to gain more insight into their behavior and biology. So next time you see these birds soaring overhead or gathered at a carcass, stop and listen – you may be lucky enough to hear them vocalize!
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)
| 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 |
| 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?
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.
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.
What does it mean when turkey vultures are around?
There are both short-term and long-term explanations as to why you may be seeing more vultures. The most likely short-term possibility is that there are animal carcasses somewhere in close proximity to your house. You may not be able to smell or see them but being specially adapted, vultures are able to.
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 sing?
Turkey vultures are mostly silent birds. They lack a syrinx, hissing when threatened and emitting soft grunts while feeding, yet they are devoid of vocal cords for singing. Turkey Vultures are fascinating birds known for their unique sounds. Unlike many birds, they do not sing. Instead, they make a variety of noises to communicate.
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.
What sounds do turkey vultures make?
Let’s have a look at a few of the sounds and behaviors you might associate with turkey vultures: Hissing and Grunting: When they feel threatened or are defending their territory, turkey vultures can emit hissing and grunting sounds as a form of vocalization.
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?
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.