The Falconiformes are not closely related and accordingly are separated into three major groups or suborders: New World Vultures (Cathartae), falcons (Falcones), and eagles, hawks, kites and the osprey (Accipitres).
New World Vultures
The vultures differ a great deal from other birds of prey. The hind toe is elevated, rudimentary and nonfunctional. The claws are dull and weak. Vultures do not build nests, and they feed their young by regurgitation. Unlike most other birds, vultures have a highly developed sense of smell for aid in locating carrion. Because they lack a syrinx or voice box, vultures are voiceless except for hissing and grunting. Because they feed mainly on dead animals, vultures are relatively immune to virulent toxins such as botulism. Rather than standing on one foot like other birds at roost, vultures squat on the perch like chickens, resting the breast on the feet.
Black Vulture - Coragyps atratus
1,3: Black Vultures ... 2, 4: Turkey Vultures
Length: 23-27 inches
Wingspread: 54-60 inches
Weight: 2.2-4.4 pounds
Habitat: scattered woodlots and open fields
In subtropical and tropical America, these chunky birds probably are the most numerous birds of prey. They are occasionally seen in southern Missouri. Like turkey vultures, black vultures are migratory, nesting in Missouri and residing here from April through September. Nesting habits are similar to those of turkey vultures, except that black vultures are sociable nesters. Black vultures fly with a series of heavy flaps followed by a labored glide.
Their clutch of two eggs takes 38 to 41 days to incubate, and the young vultures fledge after 70 to 77 days.
Diet: carrion, excrement; rarely, newborn pigs, lambs, calves, domestic chicks, nestling birds and eggs.
Turkey Vulture - Carthartes aura
Length: 26-32 inches
Wingspread: 68-72 inches
Weight: 2.7-5.5 pounds
Habitat: forests and farmland
Turkey vultures are common in Missouri. They winter in the southern United States and Central America, generally returning in March. Nesting begins in April. They are social when roosting but are solitary nesters. They lay a clutch of two eggs, which both adults alternately incubate for 38 to 41 days. The young vultures fledge from the nest in 75 to 80 days. These immature birds can be distinguished from the red-headed adults by the gray or black skin on their featherless heads.
Many people refer to this bird as the buzzard. Its flight profile is highly characteristic, and it is easily recognized as it sails, tilting from side to side, the wings held in a distinct V.
Diet: carrion, offal, dung, occasionally mice, rats, snakes, young birds or eggs.
