Turkey Vulture Watching in Oregon

The Turkey Vulture is the most common species of Vulture in North America, and often it's called a Turkey Buzzard or just Buzzard. They are found in Oregon from spring through autumn, though not typically in great numbers so spotting them can be challenging. Adult Turkey Vultures have a very distinctive bald red head and are usually around two and a half feet long. Their only vocalization is an occassional hiss or grunt, so finding them by sound isn't easy. The Turkey Vulture almost always feeds on carrion (recently deceased animal carcasses) so looking for their food is often a good way to find them.

Habitats for Turkey Vultures

The Turkey Vulture prefers areas with open fields rather than dense forests, and they also feed on washed-up dead fish, so they are sometimes seen near lakes in Oregon. They also roost on dead trees, sometimes in large numbers, but during the day they are usually in search of food independently. In late spring or early summer they nest as a family in caves, cliffs, or tree hollows.

Best seasons to see Turkey Vultures in Oregon

The Turkey Vultures in Oregon fly south during the winter, so they are found from spring through fall, with summer providing the best conditions for the birder.

Turkey Vultures in Oregon summary

Typical habitat: Nesting in dead, leafless trees, and feeding on animal or fish carcasses
Seasons: Spring through fall
Abundance: Uncommon – usually present but may not be seen or heard in suitable habitat

	Facebook Fan Page
	Follow us on Twitter
	Watch us on YouTube
	Request a Visitor Guide View the Digital Visitor Guide

Oregon's Washington County Slideshow: A trip from Portland, Oregon, United States to 12 cities including Hillsboro, Tigard, Beaverton, Wilsonville and Forest Grove was created by TripAdvisor.