Are There Turkey Vultures in Montana?
Turkey Vultures are fairly common migratory visitors to Montana from May through October, with populations concentrated in southern and western regions. They are less common than in lower-elevation western states but occur regularly throughout the warmer months. Northern and higher-elevation areas see fewer vultures compared to southern valleys.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 20, 2026.
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
Antillean Turkey Vulture · Matthew Cozart CC BY-ND
- 1
- species recorded
- 43,216
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- June, August, April
- peak months
Yes, turkey vultures are in Montana. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
326 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in Montana, most often in June, August, April.
When turkey vulture are recorded in Montana
Turkey Vultures are fairly common migratory visitors to Montana from May through October, with populations concentrated in southern and western regions. They are less common than in lower-elevation western states but occur regularly throughout the warmer months. Northern and higher-elevation areas see fewer vultures compared to southern valleys.
Where Turkey Vultures are found in Montana
Turkey Vultures in Montana concentrate in the southern and western portions of the state, particularly along river valleys that provide thermals and suitable habitat. The Yellowstone River valley and surrounding region in southern Montana hosts the most reliable populations. The Missouri River valley from central Montana southward supports good numbers during migration and breeding season. Western Montana's river valleys, including the Missoula area and surrounding regions, attract regular vultures during warmer months. The Bitterroot Valley in western Montana provides suitable habitat with river corridors and open areas. Central Montana's mountain valleys and open regions host populations, especially in lower elevation areas. Northern Montana's prairie regions host smaller populations concentrated in river corridors. The Gallatin Valley and surrounding region south of Bozeman attracts good numbers. Eastern Montana's open grasslands and badlands region see occasional vultures, particularly along the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers. Forested mountain regions above 6,000 feet provide less suitable habitat than river valleys and open areas. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for Montanafor more.
Season and timing in Montana
Turkey Vultures arrive in Montana in mid-May, beginning in southern regions before progressing northward and into higher elevations through late May. Peak populations occur from June through August when summer residents and breeding birds are most numerous. Fall departure accelerates through September and October as birds sense cooling temperatures. The species is essentially absent from November through April, unable to survive Montana's harsh winters. Spring arrival is gradual, with initial sightings in southern Montana in early May progressing northward by late May. Northern Montana and higher elevations receive vultures by late May or early June. Early summer is optimal for northern and high-elevation observations. Late spring and early fall migration periods, particularly late May and mid-September, offer excellent opportunities to observe larger numbers. Warm afternoons during breeding season provide best viewing conditions as thermal activity peaks. Summer breeding birds establish territories and remain relatively stationary throughout the season. Fall cooling dramatically reduces thermal activity and triggers southward movement. Seethe Montana wildlife guidefor more.
How to identify a Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures are large, distinctive raptors easily identified by their appearance and characteristic flight style. Adults show nearly black plumage overall with striking pale or silvery flight feathers on the wings, creating a distinctive two-toned pattern visible in flight. The head is bare and colored red in adults with wrinkled skin and a small horn-like structure at the bill base. Young birds display darker or purplish heads and generally duller appearance. Body length ranges from 26 to 32 inches with wingspans reaching 6 feet or more. The wings are proportionally long and narrow relative to body size. In flight, Turkey Vultures hold their wings in a characteristic V-shape and show wobbly, drifting flight appearing to float on air currents. They rarely flap wings, instead riding thermal updrafts in wide circles. The pale flight feathers contrasting with dark wing coverts create a distinctive pattern visible even at considerable distances. The small head relative to body size is noticeable in close views. Perched birds appear dark and hunched with wings folded tightly against the body. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.
Where sightings concentrate in Montana
The Yellowstone River valley and surrounding region in south-central Montana provides the best habitat for observing Turkey Vultures, particularly around Billings and downstream. The Missouri River valley from central Montana southward concentrates good populations, especially around Great Falls and downstream. Western Montana's Missoula valley and surrounding river corridors host populations during breeding and migration seasons. The Bitterroot Valley south of Missoula attracts regular vultures in open and semi-open habitats. The Gallatin Valley near Bozeman and surrounding regions attract populations during migration and breeding season. Interstate 90 and Interstate 94 corridors show spring and fall migration activity. Interstate 15 corridor from Missoula southward hosts migrating vultures. River valleys throughout southern Montana provide productive thermal areas. Reservoir margins along Fort Peck Lake, Canyon Ferry, and other impoundments attract foraging vultures. Lower elevation areas and river bottoms concentrate birds compared to high mountain regions. Thermals develop best over open valleys, river corridors, and lower elevation areas during warm afternoons. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for Montanafor more.
Typical behavior of Turkey Vultures
Turkey Vultures are obligate scavengers spending nearly all daylight hours searching for and consuming carrion. They rely on their exceptional sense of smell to locate dead animals from considerable distances. Vultures soar in wide, seemingly effortless circles at great heights, scanning the landscape below for potential food sources. When one vulture discovers a carcass, others quickly converge from miles away, sometimes dozens gathering at a single site. They are social outside breeding season and roost communally, often in tall trees or on structures. Vultures engage in anting behavior, where they stand in grass allowing ants to crawl over their feathers. They regurgitate foul-smelling digestive fluid as a defense mechanism when threatened. These birds are generally silent but may hiss at roosts or when disturbed. Morning behavior typically includes perching with wings spread, likely for thermoregulation or drying. Their daily routine revolves around searching for food, roosting communally, and performing routine maintenance with minimal direct competition among individuals. Seethe Montana wildlife guidefor more.
Coexistence and safety notes
Turkey Vultures are protected under federal law, and harming these birds is illegal. These birds pose no threat to humans or domestic animals, feeding exclusively on carrion. They cannot and will not attack living animals under normal circumstances. Despite their diet of dead animals, vultures are not disease vectors to humans, though they may carry bacteria from carcasses. Homeowners and ranchers observing roosting vultures can use non-lethal deterrents such as shiny reflectors or temporary exclusion measures. The presence of roosting vultures typically indicates a dead animal nearby requiring removal. Vultures provide valuable ecosystem services by rapidly removing carrion, preventing decomposition that attracts rats and insects. They are not aggressive and flee when approached. Farmers and ranchers benefit from vultures' scavenging activities. Photographers and observers can safely watch birds from distance using binoculars. Understanding Turkey Vultures' legal protection and ecological role fostersappreciation for these Montana wildlife membersand supports conservation.
Common species confused with Turkey Vultures
Several large raptors might be confused with Turkey Vultures in Montana. Bald Eagles are sometimes mistaken for vultures but show white heads and breasts and hold their wings flat while soaring. Golden Eagles are dark raptors that might seem similar from distance but fly with wings held flat and lack the distinctive pale flight feathers. Rough-legged Hawks, common Montana migrants, are smaller and show different wing and tail patterns. Red-tailed Hawks soar regularly but are smaller and hold wings differently, with distinctive red tail visible in flight. Ferruginous Hawks in eastern Montana are large but show different plumage patterns and white undersides or rust marks. Buteo species including Swainson's Hawks are smaller with different plumage and flight characteristics. Harris's Hawks show lighter plumage and chestnut coloring. Osprey show striking white undersides and different body proportions. The Turkey Vulture's distinctive V-shaped wings and characteristic wobbly, thermal-dependent flight are the most reliable identification marks.
Frequently asked questions
Are Turkey Vultures found in Montana? Yes, they are fairly common migratory residents present from May through October, especially in southern regions. Where do Turkey Vultures go in winter? They migrate south to warmer regions where carrion remains accessible and temperatures permit survival. What field marks identify Turkey Vultures in flight? Look for the distinctive V-shaped wings and wobbly, drifting flight style. Pale flight feathers contrasting with dark wing coverts are reliable marks. For detailedinformation about Turkey Vultures and Montana wildlife, visit Montana Natural Heritage Program resources. Do Turkey Vultures cause any problems? No, they feed only on carrion and benefit the ecosystem by removing dead animals. What is the best season for observing Turkey Vultures? June through August offers the best viewing as populations are highest during breeding season. For a broaderperspective on wildlife nationwide, visit our national wildlife hubfor guides to species across the United States.
Plan your trip
Best time to see turkey vulture in Montana: June, August, April
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your turkey vulture sighting in Montana
43,216 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in Montana, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Montana
- Big Hole National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Nez Perce National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Yellowstone National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Bowdoin NWR · 273 species recorded
- Lee Metcalf NWR · 257 species recorded
- Fort Peck Dam (general) · 255 species recorded
- Giant Springs SP · 253 species recorded
- Freezout Lake WMA · 251 species recorded
- Warm Springs WMA · 246 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent turkey vulture sightings
- Missouri Headwaters SP · 2026-07-20 11:01 · 1 seen
- Spring Meadow Lake · 2026-07-20 10:08 · 1 seen
- 3630 U.S. 89, Livingston, Montana, US (45.422, -110.661) · 2026-07-20 08:46 · 1 seen
- 29 Broken Spoke Ln, Great Falls US-MT (47.5319,-111.4369) HOME · 2026-07-20 07:11 · 1 seen
- Blacktail Pond · 2026-07-19 18:51 · 1 seen
More wildlife in Montana