Naturalist Notes: Turkey Vultures

I think one of the most underrated groups of birds is Vultures. They are so important to us and yet we often take them for granted. There are three species recorded for Trinidad—Turkey, Black and King (which is extremely rare, I am yet to see one!). These birds feed primarily on carrion (dead animals) some occasionally are also known to eat fruits. Their major role in the environment is to help clean up all the carcasses, without them one can only imagine the smell and sight which would exists.

In my previous notes I mentioned the resemblances between the Zone-tailed Hawk and the Turkey Vulture, today I will continue with the Turkey Vulture.

The Turkey Vulture is locally called Corbeau and is frequently observed throughout the island. In flight they are very unsteady, and often times you can see their distinctive dihedral (a V formation of the wings as they are held above their bodies). It is mainly brown-toned black in color with a red featherless head. It has a wingspan of over 5 feet and is just about 30 inches in length. The underside of the wing is two-toned in color, the upper half is dark and the lower half grayish. They have a heightened sense of smell and this is how they are able to find their food.

So the next time you see a Turkey Vulture do not turn up your nose, but smile and offer a  soft thank you to a creature that’s doing a very important job!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Zone-tailed Hawk

Lately I have been seeing quite a number of Zone-tailed hawks as I walk throughout Arima and Malabar. This species of raptor (bird of prey) is mainly black and is sometimes confused with the Turkey Vulture, because they share several similarities.

They both have a dihedral shape when they fly, which simply means they hold their wings above their bodies in a V formation. When viewing both in flight, the underpart of the wings are two toned in color, the upper half darker than the lower half. In addition, they are both unsteady flyers, rocking back and forth.

The main distinguishing feature I use in identifying them is their tail, the Zone-tailed has at least 2 white stripes on the tail, also the edge looks like it has been clipped with scissors — it appears almost squared, as opposed to the Turkey Vulture's tail which lacks the white stripes and is rounded at the edge.

A major difference between both birds is their diet, the Zone-tailed feeds live prey like mammals and birds, while the Turkey Vulture feeds on carrion.  It is also smaller in size than the Turkey Vulture. Once you are close enough to the Turkey Vulture you should be able to see their red featherless head, whereas the Zone-tailed head is covered with feathers.

An interesting fact is that sometimes you can find a Zone-tailed hawk flying amongst a group of Turkey Vultures, it is believe they do this to capture unsuspecting prey! So next time you see a Turkey Vulture look closer it might just be a Zone-tailed hawk.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Denise Etienne

 I have been pondering on what topic to write about next, suddenly it dawned on me why not write about myself - not intending to sound vain or anything, ;-)

I have been a naturalist for as long as I can remember, the great outdoors always brings me a sense of serenity. In 1995 I began my career as a Guide at the Asa Wright Nature Center, where I was able to share my love for the environment with others, educating foreigners and locals, adults and children of the importance of preservation. Enlightening everyone I possibly could to the simple fact that we all have a part to play in protecting our planet, despite how small our role maybe, it is just as significant as our existence.

Denise Etienne