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Are There Turkey Vultures in New Jersey?

Yes, Turkey Vultures are increasingly common visitors to New Jersey, particularly during spring and fall migration. They appear regularly from April through October, with numbers building through the summer months. The open areas of the Pine Barrens, coastal regions, and river valleys provide suitable habitat for these soaring birds.

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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 New Jersey

Turkey Vulture · geosesarma CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in New Jersey

Turkey Vulture · Bonnie Semmling CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in New Jersey

Turkey Vulture · carbenoid CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in New Jersey
1
species recorded
537,791
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots
March, April, May
peak months

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

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

3,861 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in New Jersey, most often in March, April, May.

When turkey vulture are recorded in New Jersey

Yes, Turkey Vultures are increasingly common visitors to New Jersey, particularly during spring and fall migration. They appear regularly from April through October, with numbers building through the summer months. The open areas of the Pine Barrens, coastal regions, and river valleys provide suitable habitat for these soaring birds.

Where Turkey Vultures are Found in New Jersey

Turkey Vultures are found throughout New Jersey, with the highest concentrations in the southern and central portions of the state. The Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey provide extensive open and semi-open habitat where these birds thrive. The coastal plain and agricultural regions of central and southern New Jersey support regular populations, particularly in areas with open fields and developed roost sites. Northern New Jersey, including the Delaware River valley and High Point areas, receives fewer regular sightings but occasional visitors pass through. The Hudson River valley from the north pushes south into New Jersey and provides migration corridors. River valleys including the Passaic, Hackensack, and Delaware rivers offer the thermal currents and open spaces that Turkey Vultures prefer. The Jersey Shore and coastal areas are used by transiting birds during migration periods. Urban and suburban areas increasingly host them, particularly larger towns with old buildings providing roost opportunities. The varied topography from low coastal plains to higher northern areas creates diverse habitats, though Turkey Vultures concentrate in the more open regions. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for New Jerseyfor more.

Season and Timing in New Jersey

Turkey Vultures appear in New Jersey with increasing regularity from late March through early November. Spring migration brings the first arrivals in late March and throughout April as birds move northward from southern wintering grounds. Numbers build steadily through May and June as summer residents establish territories and settle into breeding areas. Summer sightings from June through August are regular and reliable across much of the state, particularly in central and southern regions. Fall migration from August through October often exceeds spring numbers as birds from northern breeding grounds pass through heading south. By November, sightings become less frequent as birds depart for southern wintering areas. December through February records are rare but have increased in recent years as climate change allows some birds to winter farther north. The best viewing occurs during warm, sunny days when thermal activity is strongest, typically from late morning through afternoon. Early morning departures from night roosts and evening returns offer excellent opportunities to see concentrated groups. Migration periods typically peak around mid-April in spring and mid-September in fall. Seethe New Jersey wildlife guidefor more.

How to Identify a Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vultures are unmistakable large soaring birds once you learn their field marks. Adult plumage is nearly black or very dark brown overall, with a bright red, unfeathered head that contrasts sharply with the dark body. The head texture appears wrinkled and raw, contributing to their distinctive appearance. In flight, the undersides of their wings show pale silvery-gray patches against the dark feathers, highly visible even at considerable distances. Their wings are held in a characteristic dihedral, or shallow V-shape, angling slightly upward at the tips as they soar. The wingspan exceeds five and a half feet, making them appear larger than most eagles when soaring. Young birds show dark gray or blackish heads that gradually brighten to red as they mature over several years. The beak is pale and pointed, adapted for tearing into carrion. Dark eyes and a slight hook to the beak are visible with binoculars at close range. When perched, they often hold their wings partially spread, a behavior that aids in cooling and thermoregulation. The distinctive soaring silhouette becomes recognizable with minimal experience. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Where Sightings Concentrate in New Jersey

Turkey Vultures are most commonly observed in New Jersey's open spaces and river valleys. The Pine Barrens of Burlington and Ocean counties provide extensive habitat where they are regularly seen soaring over the open sandy woodlands. The coastal plain from central New Jersey southward, including areas around Trenton and Princeton, hosts frequent sightings. The Delaware River valley from the north southward offers a natural migration corridor where birds concentrate during passage periods. Agricultural regions in the northern half of the state see regular sightings during warm months. The Hudson River shoreline provides roosting and feeding habitat, particularly in the Palisades region. Areas around major water bodies including the Raritan River and Passaic River valley attract soaring birds seeking thermals. Sandy Hook and Cape May, at the southern tip of New Jersey, see significant concentrations of migrants during spring and fall passage. Open ridges and ridge-tops in northern regions offer thermal-producing landscapes. Birders have the most success during warm afternoon hours when thermals peak and birds soar highest and most visibly. Reports from local birding groups and eBird provide current information about recent sightings and concentrations. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for New Jerseyfor more.

Typical Behavior and Habits

Turkey Vultures are obligate scavengers with an exceptional sense of smell that allows them to detect decomposing carcasses from great heights and distances. They spend daylight hours soaring on thermal updrafts, covering vast areas while searching for carrion. Their flight is energy-efficient, using thermals to gain altitude with minimal wing-flapping. Once established on a thermal, they can soar for hours at a time, rising higher and drifting downwind searching for food. They locate dead animals of all sizes, from small rodents to large deer, using their remarkable olfactory system. Turkey Vultures are social birds, often associating in loose flocks during migration and at roost sites. They communicate through body postures and soft hissing sounds rather than loud vocalizations. At dusk, they settle on cliff faces, dead trees, buildings, or other structures to roost communally, sometimes in groups of dozens or more. Morning behavior includes a characteristic wing-spreading and sunning posture that helps warm their bodies and may control parasites. Anting, where they perch on the ground in disturbed areas, is another observed behavior. Mating involves monogamous pair bonds that may persist for multiple years. Seethe New Jersey wildlife guidefor more.

Coexistence and Safety

Turkey Vultures are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and are completely safe for humans and domestic animals. They do not hunt live prey and have never attacked people, pets, or livestock. Their ecological role as scavengers is beneficial to public health, as they consume carrion efficiently and prevent the spread of disease. In New Jersey, Turkey Vultures are increasingly tolerated and appreciated by residents and wildlife enthusiasts. Cats and small dogs face no risk from these birds, which feed only on animals that are already deceased. Ranchers and farmers have no legitimate concerns about Turkey Vultures preying on their animals. If you find a Turkey Vulture on the ground, it may be injured, sick, or temporarily weakened. Do not attempt to handle or touch the bird. Instead, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife for professional care. Turkey Vultures occasionally perch on buildings or tall structures but cause no damage. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem and is generally harmless to people and property.

Common Species Confusion

Turkey Vultures can be confused with large raptors in New Jersey, particularly Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles. Golden Eagles are larger and faster, with darker overall plumage and no red head or pale wing patches. Bald Eagles are unmistakable with white heads and tails, and are much rarer in New Jersey. Red-tailed Hawks are considerably smaller and show different wing patterns and body coloring. Osprey are smaller and display dramatic black and white patterns. The bright red head of adult Turkey Vultures is absolutely distinctive among New Jersey birds. Immature birds with gray heads can be trickier but still show the characteristic pale wing patches and body proportions. The dihedral wing posture, with wings angled upward at the tips, is a reliable field mark. The steady, effortless soaring on thermals differs from the more active flight of eagles and hawks. The silhouette and overall size become recognizable with observation and study. Binoculars and field guides specific to eastern North America help with identification. Online birding resources and local birding club websites provide photographic references for comparison and verification.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How common are Turkey Vultures in New Jersey? A: They are increasingly regular spring through fall visitors, especially in southern and central regions, with some overwintering in recent mild years. Q: Will Turkey Vultures breed in New Jersey? A: Not yet, but their expanding range makes future breeding possible if current trends continue. Q: What attracts Turkey Vultures to an area? A: Dead animals, particularly road-killed mammals, which they locate using their exceptional sense of smell. Q: Should I be concerned about Turkey Vultures near my home? A: No. They are harmless to people and pets and provide a beneficial ecological service by consuming carrion.

Plan your trip

Best time to see turkey vulture in New Jersey: March, April, May

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your turkey vulture sighting in New Jersey

537,791 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in New Jersey, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in New Jersey

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent turkey vulture sightings

  • North South Fwy, Blackwood · 2026-07-20 13:16 · 2 seen
  • Edwin B. Forsythe NWR--Wildlife Drive (8-mile auto tour loop only) · 2026-07-20 12:47 · 1 seen
  • Chimney Rock Hawk Watch · 2026-07-20 12:25 · 3 seen
  • Ringwood SP--Ringwood Manor · 2026-07-20 12:24 · 2 seen
  • Cape Island--South Cape May Meadows (SCMM) · 2026-07-20 12:22 · 2 seen

Planning a trip to see turkey vulture? Find places to stay near Appalachian National Scenic Trail on Booking.com.