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This
bird is easily recognized from a distance: look for the spiralling soar
and the V-shaped wing pattern. At close range, the dark plumage and strange,
naked red head of this bird make it impossible to mistake. Turkey Vultures
are commonly found nearby steep cliffs. Not only do cliffs provide quality
nesting habitat, but also produce the thermal currents that this bird exploits
for flight. This species is the ultimate scavenger in agricultural and forested
areas, feeding mainly on roadkill and other dead animals. Other unusual
feeding habits have been recorded. A Turkey Vulture was once observed forcing
nestling Great Blue Herons to regurgitate their last meal - which it then
fed to its own chicks! The Turkey Vulture is another species that has expanded
its range into Quebec during the past 20 years. Although the reasons for
the population expansion remain uncertain, the recent warming of Northeastern
North America's climate, the clearing of land, increased levels of roadkill,
and loss of habitat in the southern part of this species' range have been
offered as possible explanations.
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