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Vultures

Black Vulture

Black Vulture
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Black Vulture


The Black Vulture has a body length of 22 to 27 inches, a wingspan of 4 1/2 to 5 feet, and weighs 4 to 5 pounds. These vultures are found in lowland areas along rivers or in open habitats in the southern United States and throughout Central and South America. Black Vultures mainly scavenge small to large sized dead animals. These birds soar looking for carcasses or other scavenger activity. This is one species of birds that has a sense of smell. The New World vultures do not build nests. This species lays its eggs in a cave, between large rocks, at the base of a tree or in a hollow stump. The female lays 2 eggs that are incubated by both parents for 38 to 45 days. The young vultures fledge at about 3 months old, but stay with the parents ina social group for years. The Black Vulture has also been known as a Carrion Crow, Black Buzzard and Jim Crow.

Be sure to stop by the Vulture Habitat and see our Black Vultures, "Stevie and Ray" on your next visit


Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture
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Turkey Vulture


The Turkey Vulture's head is bald and red. The purpose to the vulture's bald head is when it is eating carrion, it must often stick its head inside the carcass to reach the meat. A feathery head would capture unwanted pieces of the vulture's meal along with all the bacteria it hosts. After mealtime, the Turkey Vulture perches in the heat of the sun. Here, whatever has managed to cling to the few bits of fuzz on their head will be baked off once and for all. The Turkey Vulture does not feed strictly on carion. The bird enjoys plant matter as well, including shoreline vegetation, pumkin and bits of other crops. It will soar above the ground for most of the day, searching for food with its excellent eyesight and highly developed sense of smell. Turkey Vultures fly with their wings in a v-shape. The can soar for hours at high altitudes without ever flapping their wings by riding the thermals of warm rising air. The Turkey Vulture urinates on its legs which cools the Vulture as the urine evaporates. The urine contains strong acids from hte vulture's digestive system which kills any bacteria that may remain on the bird's legs from stepping in its meal. These vultures were given their name because their featherless red head gives them the appearance of a turkey.

"Lucy", our Turkey Vulture was admitted on December 26th, 1989. after being hit by a car near the Ranger Stadium. Her left wing had to be amputated.

Be sure to stop by the Vulture Habitat and see our Turkey Vulture, "Lucy" on your next visit

 


 

About the Peace River Wildlife Center

Tucked neatly into the mangroves overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Park, the Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC) is a non-profit organization, started in 1978, dedicated to the rescue, care, protection and preservation of native small wildlife. (more ...)

Volunteering at the Peace River Wildlife Center

Anxious to put your values to the test? Fly like an eagle and volunteer today with the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, Florida. Currently the center has over 30 active volunteers contributing more than 2000 hours a year in the service of injured wild birds or wild animals. (more ...)


Being a Member at the Peace River Wildlife Center

Members give the Peace River wildlife Center its heart. Rescuing, rehabilitating, and restoring wildlife to their proper place in nature is at the core of the PEACE RIVER'S mission. Some creatures cannot prosper in the wild, even after care, they become life-long residents at our center in Punta Gorda. (more ...)

Adopting Permanently Injured Wildlife at the Peace River Wildlife Center

The PRWC is currently home to 125 birds and small animals living in 15 different habitats. Food and care for these feathered and furry friends costs $5500 a month. You can help assure their future. (more ...)


Donating to the Peace River Wildlife Center

Tours are provided at no cost to visitors. Patients are accepted gratis and we provide the educational programs as part of community service. We depend upon private donations for our existence. (more ...)

Educating the Public at the Peace River Wildlife Center

Awareness and Understanding - You and Your Community, Habitat Restoration and Data Gathering and Monitoring. (more ...)


Fundraising Events Benefiting the Peace River Wildlife Center

Come See Us at Upcoming Events and Fundraisers, Check Here to See Where we will be Next. (more ...)

Live Video Feeds at the Peace River Wildlife Center

View Live Video Feeds of our Habitats and Enjoy Wildlife with Disabilities at their Best in the Comfort of your Home. (more ...)


Gift Shop at the Peace River Wildlife Center

The Gift Shop at the Peace River Wildlife Center is a Hidden Treasure. A Vital Part of the Centers' Fund-Raising Drive - Our Gift Shop Offers Many Fine Items. Be Sure to Visit Our Gift Shop before Leaving the Center. (more ...)

Business Sponsors Peace River Wildlife Center

Please Visit our Business Sponsors and/or find out how your Business can Sponsor The PRWC. (more ...)



View Our Permanently Disabled Residents at the PRWC