Where Do Turkey Vultures Live? (Habitat + Distribution)

Turkey Vulture (catharsis aura), also commonly known as the turkey vulture, is one of the most common and best-known birds in North and South America. They are often seen soaring over semi-open habitats such as forests and grasslands, where they forage for carrion. You might even see them on the side of the road, feeding on the nearest road kill.

The turkey vulture has a wide range from southern Canada, the United States and Mexico all the way to Tierra del Fuego in South America. Turkey vultures inhabit a variety of habitats across this vast range and are primarily non-migratory.

Not all turkey vulture populations are permanent residents. When you can see them may vary by region. If you’re interested in learning more about this scavenger, read on! We discuss their habitat and distribution in more detail in this article.

The Turkey Vulture is one of the most common birds in North and South America

What is the range of the turkey vulture?

The turkey vulture’s range spans from southern Canada to the southern tip of South America. The northernmost parts of their range in the United States and Canada are strictly breeding areas. Bald eagles in these areas migrate south in winter.

Their breeding range in Canada extends from southern British Columbia to Quebec, with some populations even extending north and east as far as Ontario and Newfoundland. Turkey vultures also breed in the northern and central United States — from coast to coast.

The farming ranges of the United States and Canada are not adjacent. Large swathes of the Great Plains region are devoid of turkey vultures, including areas of Nebraska, western Kansas, eastern Colorado and the Dakotas. The entire province of Saskatchewan, northern Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington also had low or no population numbers.

Year-round populations of turkey vultures are found in the southeastern United States, throughout southern Mexico, and in the Tierra del Fuego and Falkland Islands at the southern tip of South America. They also breed on several islands in the Caribbean.

A turkey vulture perched on a pole

What is the habitat of the turkey vulture?

Turkey vultures inhabit many semi-open and open habitats in North and South America. Primary habitats in North America typically include forests, open meadows or shrublands, and farmland. These habitats provide the best opportunities for carrion to nest, roost, and forage.

Roads and open pastures are important foraging areas, and nests are often located on rocky outcrops or fallen trees. The preferred roosting location is in large trees where many bald eagles can congregate away from human disturbance.

The turkey vulture mainly inhabits the subtropical dry forests at the southernmost end of its range. Some populations are present in moist forests, but occur less frequently.

How rare is it to see a turkey vulture?

Turkey vultures are not uncommon in North and South America. They are one of the most common scavengers. One or more are often seen hovering or roosting near roads or agricultural areas where carrion is common. The turkey vulture is most recognizable by its pink bald head.

Turkey vulture in flight

Where Do Turkey Vultures Live In The United States?

The turkey vulture is found throughout the United States, but is not a perennial roost in most areas. Only the population in the southeast is non-migratory – which is also the area where they are most common.

These scavengers inhabit forests and open areas throughout their breeding and wintering range in the United States. However, they are not present in abundance everywhere. Turkey vultures are rare in the Great Plains and Northwest states.

Where do turkey vultures live in Canada?

Turkey vultures are found in southern Canada and are only seen during the breeding season. Their range extends from southern British Columbia to Ontario and Newfoundland. The entire province of Saskatchewan has little or no population.

A pair of turkey vultures perched together

Where Are Turkey Vultures Most Common?

Turkey vultures are most common in North and South American habitats that offer a mix of forest and open areas where there are also farms or pastures. These areas include southeastern deciduous forests dotted with rocky outcrops, meadows/shrubs next to pine forests, southwestern deserts, and subtropical forests of Central and South America.

Where is the best place to see turkey vultures?

The best places to see turkey vultures are in semi-open perches near roads or agricultural areas where carrion is common. These birds, which feed exclusively on carcasses, play a vital role in keeping the ecosystem healthy.

Turkey bald eagle photographed in the wild in Arizona

Where do turkey vultures live in the summer?

The turkey vulture occurs throughout its summer range—populations that migrate south for the winter return to their northern breeding grounds in the southern United States and Canada.

Year-round residents remain in their Central and South American territories. There are also permanent turkey vulture populations on some Caribbean islands, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.

Where Do Turkey Vultures Live in Winter?

Turkey vultures are no longer seen throughout North America during the winter. They are found exclusively in the Southeast—from southern Pennsylvania to eastern Texas—and along the west coast of California to the southern tip of Arizona.

Populations that breed in the north migrate south to join perennial residents in Mexico and South America. There is also some evidence that North American immigrants wintered in the Caribbean islands.

Turkey vulture perched on a tree in a park in winter

Where Do Turkey Vultures Go At Night?

At night, turkey vultures roost in the treetops. The roost is usually between large stands of trees where several bald eagles can congregate. Once a habitat is selected, birds return there year after year.

Turkey Vulture Distribution FAQs

Are there turkey vultures in Florida?

Turkey vultures are found throughout Florida. They are one of two bald eagle species that exist in the state. You can distinguish the turkey vulture from its relative the black vulture by the pink color on its head.

Are there turkey vultures in California?

Turkey vultures are common throughout California. They live year-round along the coast and can be found in other parts of the state during the breeding season.

Are there turkey vultures in Massachusetts?

Turkey vultures have expanded their range north and are now more common in Massachusetts. However, they are only here during the breeding season.

A small flock of turkey vultures foraging together

Are there turkey vultures in Wisconsin?

Turkey vultures are native to Wisconsin. They are common throughout the state during the breeding season from spring through summer.

Are there turkey vultures in Ohio?

Turkey vultures live in Ohio, where they typically reside year-round. Relatively mild winters mean these birds don’t need to migrate.