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Are There Turkey Vultures in Alabama?

Yes, Turkey Vultures are common year-round residents of Alabama. You'll find them soaring over forests, fields, and waterways across the state. These large vultures play a vital role in ecosystems and are easy to spot once you know what to look for.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.

Turkey Vulture photographed in Alabama

Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0

Turkey Vulture photographed in Alabama

Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0

Turkey Vulture photographed in Alabama

Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Alabama
1
species recorded
94,795
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots
November, October, March
peak months

Yes, turkey vultures are in Alabama. Next you'll want:

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

1,601 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in Alabama, most often in November, October, March.

When turkey vulture are recorded in Alabama

Yes, Turkey Vultures are common year-round residents of Alabama. You'll find them soaring over forests, fields, and waterways across the state. These large vultures play a vital role in ecosystems and are easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Where Turkey Vultures Live in Alabama

Turkey Vultures are found throughout Alabama in nearly every habitat type. The Tennessee River valley in north Alabama hosts steady populations, while the coastal plains near Mobile Bay and Gulf Shores support year-round birds. The Sipsey Swamp and other wetlands in west-central Alabama attract them regularly. Upland forests in the Talladega Mountains and Cheaha area are also common sites. You'll see them in open woodlands, along river corridors, and even in suburban areas with scattered trees. The birds roost in dense forest stands and cliff faces, then range widely during the day to hunt. Throughout the state's mixed landscape of farms, forests, and waterways, Turkey Vultures thrive because they find carrion in all these habitats. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for Alabamafor more.

Seasonal Patterns and Timing

Turkey Vultures remain in Alabama year-round, making them permanent residents rather than migrants. Numbers increase noticeably in spring and fall as migratory populations pass through. Winter populations drop somewhat, but birds stay put rather than leaving entirely. They become active from late morning onward, as thermals and warm air currents help them soar. On cool mornings, you may see them hanging from trees with wings spread, drying off and warming their bodies. This behavior is most common in early morning and on days following rain. The birds are least active during rain or cold fronts when updrafts disappear. If you want to spot Turkey Vultures in Alabama, midday offers the best chances when thermals are strong. Seethe Alabama wildlife guidefor more.

How to Identify a Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vultures are large, dark birds with distinctive features that make them fairly easy to recognize. An adult has a bright red or pink head and neck with no feathers, contrasting sharply with black plumage on the body and wings. The head is small compared to the body. Young birds have gray or blackish heads that slowly turn red as they mature. In flight, they hold their wings in a slight V-shape, teetering gently side to side as they soar. The feathers on the outer wings appear lighter than the inner wings, creating a two-tone look. Their wingspan reaches 6 feet or more. On the ground, they shuffle rather than walk smoothly. Their call is generally silent, though they make hisses when threatened. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Where to Spot Turkey Vultures in Alabama

Look for Turkey Vultures soaring over open and semi-open habitats throughout the state. River valleys like the Tennessee and Tombigbee support reliable sightings. Coastal marshes near Mobile Bay and the Gulf attract them. Open agricultural lands, pastures, and fields are prime hunting grounds where you can watch them scan the ground. Deciduous and mixed forests provide roosting spots and shelter. The birds also use highway corridors and roadsides to forage, as they feed on animal carrion from vehicles. Swamp edges like the Sipsey offer both roosting and hunting habitat. Visitwildlife refuges in Alabamafor consistent viewing opportunities. Early morning and midday are best times, and look up to find them soaring overhead rather than searching close to the ground. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for Alabamafor more.

Turkey Vulture Behavior and Diet

Turkey Vultures are scavengers that feed exclusively on carrion. They locate dead animals by soaring high overhead and using their keen sense of smell to detect the distinctive odor of decay. This ability sets them apart from most other raptors. A single Turkey Vulture can cover 100 miles or more in a day searching for food. They often soar in groups called kettles, especially during migration. Multiple birds circling in one area indicate they've found a food source. They roost communally in large groups, often gathering in tall dead trees or on cliff ledges. At dawn, they spread their wings to dry and warm their bodies. Turkey Vultures produce a distinctive hiss when threatened but are generally quiet birds. Their feces are white and liquid, unique among North American birds.

Safety and Coexistence

Turkey Vultures are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to harm or kill them. They pose no threat to humans or pets. Though they eat carrion, they do not hunt living animals. Turkey Vultures are actually beneficial because they clean up dead animals that might otherwise attract disease or predators. They rarely become nuisances, though large roosts near homes can produce odors or droppings on surfaces. If a roost becomes problematic, remove it by making the roosting site less attractive using netting or spikes. Never attempt to shoot or poison Turkey Vultures, as this violates federal law. The birds are shy and avoid humans. Simply observing them from a distance causes them no stress. Overall, having Turkey Vultures nearby is a sign of a healthy ecosystem and carries no real downsides for residents.

Similar Species You Might Confuse Them With

Black Vultures are the species most likely to be confused with Turkey Vultures in Alabama. Black Vultures are smaller, with all-black plumage including the head, and hold their wings in a flat plane rather than a V. They have white patches on the underwings and faster, more active flight with quick flaps. Bald Eagles are much larger, with white heads and brown bodies, and they hunt live prey. Golden Eagles are all-brown and have feathered heads. Turkey Vultures are far more common than either eagle. Frigatebirds occasionally appear along coastal Alabama and have longer, more pointed wings and forked tails. Zone-tailed Hawks share the V-shaped wing posture and dark coloring but are smaller and have distinct barred patterns. Learning the subtle differences helps with positive identification and deepens your appreciation for each species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do Turkey Vultures attack pets or livestock? A: No. Turkey Vultures are scavengers and do not hunt living animals, regardless of size. Q: Why do they smell bad? A: They feed on carrion, which produces odor. The birds themselves do not produce a strong smell. Q: Can Turkey Vultures be dangerous to humans? A: Not at all. They are shy, avoid humans, and have no weapons or hunting behavior directed at people. Q: Why do Turkey Vultures hold their wings in a V-shape? A: The V-shape provides stability and efficiency while soaring on thermal currents. It reduces wing strain over long distances. Q: Are Turkey Vultures found in every part of Alabama? A: Yes, they are found statewide in open, forested, and mixed habitats. Q: What time of year are Turkey Vultures most common? A: They are present year-round but numbers peak during spring and fall migration.

Plan your trip

Best time to see turkey vulture in Alabama: November, October, March

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your turkey vulture sighting in Alabama

94,795 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in Alabama, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Alabama

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent turkey vulture sightings

  • Monte Sano SP (NABT 29) · 2026-07-20 11:24 · 2 seen
  • University of Montevallo Lake · 2026-07-20 07:30 · 8 seen
  • 36879, Auburn US-AL 32.72694, -85.54672 · 2026-07-20 07:09 · 1 seen
  • Shelby County Bike Park · 2026-07-20 06:40 · 5 seen
  • Ripley · 2026-07-19 17:20 · 1 seen

Planning a trip to see turkey vulture? Find places to stay near Horseshoe Bend National Military Park on Booking.com.

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