Are There Turkey Vultures in New Hampshire?
Turkey Vultures are increasingly regular visitors to New Hampshire, especially during spring and fall migration periods. They are rare in winter and breeding is not established in the state. Most sightings occur in southern New Hampshire and along river valleys where thermals and food availability are highest.
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 · zr217 CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Steven Lamonde CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Vicki J Brown CC BY-ND
- 1
- species recorded
- 65,003
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, May, June
- peak months
Yes, turkey vultures are in New Hampshire. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
540 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in New Hampshire, most often in April, May, June.
When turkey vulture are recorded in New Hampshire
Turkey Vultures are increasingly regular visitors to New Hampshire, especially during spring and fall migration periods. They are rare in winter and breeding is not established in the state. Most sightings occur in southern New Hampshire and along river valleys where thermals and food availability are highest.
Where Turkey Vultures are Found in New Hampshire
Turkey Vultures in New Hampshire are most frequent in the southern portions of the state, particularly along the Connecticut River valley and in the Merrimack River drainage. The open areas around the Monadnock region in southwestern New Hampshire provide suitable habitat for soaring. Southern areas near the Massachusetts border see them more often than northern regions. They occasionally range into central New Hampshire valleys, particularly where suitable thermals develop. The White Mountains area and northern regions are less predictable and receive only occasional sightings. Along the Saco River in the eastern mountains, a few are spotted most years. River valleys provide the thermal currents and open space these birds need to soar efficiently. Unlike year-round residents in southern states, New Hampshire's Turkey Vultures are transient visitors that appear when conditions are favorable. The state's forests and mountains present less suitable habitat than the open countryside further south. Their presence in New Hampshire represents the northern edge of a range expansion that has been occurring over the past several decades. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for New Hampshirefor more.
Season and Timing in New Hampshire
Turkey Vultures are essentially seasonal in New Hampshire, with the most frequent sightings from March through November. Spring migration brings the first arrivals in late March and early April as birds move northward from winter grounds in the southern United States. Numbers peak from late April through May as migration passes through the state. Summer sightings occur regularly throughout June, July, and August, particularly in southern and central regions. Fall migration brings another surge of activity from August through October, often exceeding spring numbers. By November, sightings become increasingly rare as birds depart for southern wintering grounds. Winter records in New Hampshire are exceptional, with only a few birds documented during cold months in decades of observation. The best time to observe Turkey Vultures is during warm, sunny days from May through September when thermal activity is strongest. Early morning departures from night roosts and late afternoon returns offer excellent viewing opportunities. Migration periods offer the highest probability of sightings for birders seeking to add Turkey Vultures to their New Hampshire lists. Seethe New Hampshire wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures are large, unmistakable soaring birds once you know what to look for. Adults display predominantly dark plumage with a distinctive bright red, unfeathered head. The red coloring contrasts sharply with their nearly black body and wings. In flight, their wings show silvery pale patches on the underside against their dark feathers, visible from considerable distances. Their wings are long and broad, held in a characteristic V-shape or dihedral, tilting upward slightly at the tips as they soar. The pale beak and dark eyes are visible at close range with binoculars. Immature birds show dark gray or blackish heads that lack the bright red of adults. These younger birds can be confused with eagles, but the pale wing patches and distinctive wing posture help identify them correctly. When perched, Turkey Vultures often hold their wings partially spread, a behavior that aids in cooling and possibly parasite control. Their size is substantial, with a wingspan exceeding five and a half feet, making them appear even larger than many eagles. The steady, easy soaring flight with minimal wing flapping is characteristic and distinctive. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New Hampshire
Turkey Vultures are most reliably observed in New Hampshire's southern regions during migration periods. The Connecticut River valley from the Massachusetts line northward to Cornish offers the best sightings, particularly on warm, thermic days with light winds. The Merrimack River valley through southern New Hampshire regularly hosts them, especially around the Concord area and further south toward Nashua. The Monadnock region in southwestern New Hampshire, particularly around Dublin and Jaffrey, provides open terrain suitable for their soaring. The area around Keene and the southern highlands see regular reports. Central New Hampshire's river valleys, including areas around Concord and Franklin, host occasional sightings. The White Mountains region receives fewer sightings, concentrated in the river valleys rather than higher elevations. The Saco River corridor in eastern New Hampshire offers periodic sightings during favorable seasons. Open ridges and thermal-producing landscapes are preferred observation points. Birders have the best success on warm days from late morning through afternoon when thermals peak. Local birding groups and the New Hampshire Audubon often document sightings on their websites, helping track where birds have been recently observed. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for New Hampshirefor more.
Typical Behavior and Habits
Turkey Vultures are specialized scavengers with an exceptional sense of smell, one of the keenest among all birds. They spend most daylight hours soaring at considerable heights, scanning for carrion across the landscape. Their flight is energy-efficient, relying on thermal updrafts to gain altitude without the energetic cost of flapping. Once launched on thermals, they can soar for hours covering vast distances. They locate dead animals, from small mammals to large deer, using their remarkable olfactory capabilities. Unlike many raptors, Turkey Vultures are not aggressive birds and do not interact aggressively with other species. They are social, sometimes gathering in loose flocks during migration and at favorable roosting sites. At night, they settle on cliff faces, dead trees, or suitable structures to roost communally. Morning behavior includes spreading their wings to dry and warm themselves after cool nights. They perform a characteristic head-bobbing motion when agitated or threatened, which helps them control body temperature. Mating is a monogamous affair with pairs often staying together for multiple years. Seethe New Hampshire wildlife guidefor more.
Coexistence and Safety
Turkey Vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and are perfectly safe for humans, pets, and livestock. They do not hunt live animals and have never been documented attacking people. Their ecological role as scavengers is beneficial, preventing the spread of disease by consuming carrion efficiently. In New Hampshire, Turkey Vultures are generally viewed positively by wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Small pets and cats are completely safe from these birds, which feed exclusively on animals that are already dead. Dogs and other domestic animals face no risk from Turkey Vultures. Ranchers have no legitimate concerns about these birds preying on livestock. If you encounter a Turkey Vulture on the ground, it may be injured or temporarily weakened. Do not attempt to touch or handle it. Instead, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department for professional assistance. Turkey Vultures occasionally rest on the ground in fields or on roads but fly away when disturbed. The bird's presence is harmless and actually indicates a healthy ecosystem where natural processes of decomposition and nutrient cycling proceed normally.
Common Species Confusion
Turkey Vultures are sometimes confused with large raptors in New Hampshire, particularly Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles. Golden Eagles are larger, faster fliers with darker overall appearance and lack the distinctive red head and pale wing patches. Bald Eagles are even larger, unmistakable with white heads and tails visible at distance. Red-tailed Hawks are much smaller and show different coloring and wing patterns. Osprey are smaller still and display dramatic black and white patterns absent in Turkey Vultures. The red head of adult Turkey Vultures is absolutely distinctive among New England birds. Immature Turkey Vultures with gray heads present the greatest identification challenge but still show the characteristic pale wing patches and body shape. The dihedral wing posture, with wings angled upward at the tips, is diagnostic when observable. The steady, effortless soaring on thermals differs markedly from the more energetic flight patterns of eagles and hawks. The overall size and silhouette become recognizable with experience. Birders should study field guides and photographs before seeking Turkey Vultures to avoid misidentifications. Online birding forums and field guides specific to New England provide excellent reference materials for separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do Turkey Vultures occur in New Hampshire? A: They are increasingly regular during spring and fall migration, with regular summer visitors in southern portions, but rare in winter. Q: Will Turkey Vultures ever breed in New Hampshire? A: Possibly, as their range continues expanding northward, but no breeding has been documented yet in the state. Q: What do Turkey Vultures eat? A: Exclusively carrion, carrion, which they locate using an exceptional sense of smell unmatched among most birds. Q: Are Turkey Vultures a sign of disease or death nearby? A: Not necessarily, they soar widely and can detect carrion from great distances and heights.
Plan your trip
Best time to see turkey vulture in New Hampshire: April, May, June
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your turkey vulture sighting in New Hampshire
65,003 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in New Hampshire, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New Hampshire
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Odiorne Point SP, Rye · 315 species recorded
- New Hampshire Coast (consider using a more specific location) · 314 species recorded
- Isles of Shoals (NH) · 308 species recorded
- Isles of Shoals--Star Island, Rye · 290 species recorded
- Hampton-Seabrook Marsh · 272 species recorded
- Rye Harbor SP (Ragged Neck) · 254 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent turkey vulture sightings
- Blue Star Tpke, North Hampton US-NH 42.98150, -70.85241 · 2026-07-20 13:37 · 1 seen
- Lake Potanipo, Brookline · 2026-07-20 12:52 · 1 seen
- 359 and 371 Baptist Road · 2026-07-20 12:09 · 1 seen
- Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park, Exeter · 2026-07-20 12:08 · 1 seen
- 1197 NH-9, Chesterfield US-NH 42.90079, -72.45912 · 2026-07-20 09:19 · 1 seen
More wildlife in New Hampshire