Are There Turkey Vultures in New York?
Yes, Turkey Vultures are increasingly common in New York, particularly in the southern and central portions of the state during spring through fall. They are regular migrants and summer residents throughout much of the state, with numbers building steadily from March through October. Northern New York receives fewer sightings, though birds do range into all regions.
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 · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
Turkey Vulture · er-birds CC BY
Turkey Vulture · Sandy Wolkenberg CC BY
- 1
- species recorded
- 536,287
- GBIF records
- 6
- birding hotspots
- April, May, March
- peak months
Yes, turkey vultures are in New York. Next you'll want:
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
3,991 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in New York, most often in April, May, March.
When turkey vulture are recorded in New York
Yes, Turkey Vultures are increasingly common in New York, particularly in the southern and central portions of the state during spring through fall. They are regular migrants and summer residents throughout much of the state, with numbers building steadily from March through October. Northern New York receives fewer sightings, though birds do range into all regions.
Where Turkey Vultures are Found in New York
Turkey Vultures are most frequent in southern and central New York, with highest concentrations in the Hudson River valley and surrounding regions. The Hudson valley from the New Jersey border northward to the Catskills provides major habitat and migration corridor. The Delaware River valley offers another concentration area, particularly in the southern tier of counties. The Mohawk River valley supports regular populations in the central region. The Finger Lakes region and surrounding areas host Turkey Vultures, particularly during warmer months. Southern New York counties bordering Pennsylvania and New Jersey see the most frequent sightings. The Catskill Mountains provide roosting and feeding habitat at moderate elevations. Northern New York, including the areas around the Adirondacks and the St. Lawrence River, receives occasional sightings but fewer regular occurrences. The Allegheny plateau region of western New York supports populations. Lake Ontario and the Niagara River valley provide habitat in northwestern regions. River valleys and open areas are preferred habitat over heavily forested areas. Cliff faces and rocky outcrops throughout the state provide roosting sites. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for New Yorkfor more.
Season and Timing in New York
Turkey Vultures are essentially seasonal in New York, with the most frequent sightings 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 early June as birds establish territories and begin breeding. Summer residents are present and regular from June through August across most of New York. Fall migration from August through October often brings higher numbers than spring as northern breeding birds move south. By November, sightings become increasingly uncommon as birds depart for southern areas. Winter records remain rare, though mild winters see a few birds persisting in southern New York. Recent decades show an increasing trend of birds overwintering in the state, particularly in sheltered areas. The best viewing occurs during warm, sunny days from May through September when thermal activity is strongest. Early morning and late afternoon hours when birds return to and depart from roosts offer excellent viewing opportunities. Migration periods, particularly mid-September through early October, provide peak concentrations. Seethe New York wildlife guidefor more.
How to Identify a Turkey Vulture
Turkey Vultures are distinctive large soaring birds once you learn their field marks. Adult plumage is predominantly dark brown or nearly black, with a distinctive bright red, unfeathered head. The red head contrasts sharply with the dark body and wings. The head appears raw and wrinkled in texture, with a small hooked pale beak. The wings show silvery-gray patches on the underside against dark feathers when soaring, visible even at considerable distances. Wings are held in a characteristic dihedral or shallow V-shape, angling slightly upward at the tips. The wingspan exceeds five and a half feet, making them appear larger than many eagles. Immature birds show dark gray or blackish heads that gradually brighten to red as they mature over several years. The pale eyes and light beak are visible with binoculars at moderate ranges. When perched, they often spread their wings partially, a behavior aiding in cooling and thermoregulation. The distinctive silhouette and overall body proportions become recognizable with observation and practice. The red head alone distinguishes them from all other North American raptors at moderate distances. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.
Where Sightings Concentrate in New York
Turkey Vultures are most reliably observed in New York's river valleys and open spaces. The Hudson River valley, particularly the lower portions from the New Jersey border northward through the Hudson Highlands, offers excellent viewing. The Palisades region provides thermals and roosting habitat on the vertical cliffs. Central Hudson valley areas around Kingston and Poughkeepsie host regular sightings. The Delaware River valley in the southern tier provides consistent viewing opportunities. The Mohawk River corridor near Utica and eastward supports regular sightings in the central region. The Finger Lakes region, particularly the open areas around the lakes, sees frequent birds during warm months. The Catskills provide beautiful mountainous habitat. Areas around Rochester and Buffalo in western New York host occasional sightings. The lower Hudson River and Long Island Sound areas see increasing numbers in recent years. Upstate reservoirs and river valleys offer viewing opportunities throughout central and northern regions. Birders have the best success on warm afternoons when thermals develop and birds soar visibly. Local birding websites and eBird provide current reports of recent sightings. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for New Yorkfor more.
Typical Behavior and Habits
Turkey Vultures are obligate scavengers with an exceptional sense of smell that guides them to carrion across vast distances. They spend most daylight hours soaring on thermal updrafts, covering large territories while searching for food. Their flight is remarkably energy-efficient, using thermals to gain altitude without the energy cost of flapping wings repeatedly. Once established on a thermal, they can soar for hours, rising higher and drifting with the wind while searching for dead animals. They locate carrion of all sizes, from small rodents to large deer, using their remarkable olfactory capabilities. Turkey Vultures are social birds, sometimes gathering in loose flocks during migration. They are generally docile and non-aggressive toward other species. Communication occurs through body postures and soft hissing rather than loud vocalizations. They establish communal roosts on cliff faces, dead trees, or suitable structures, sometimes gathering in groups of dozens. Morning behavior includes spreading wings to dry and warm themselves after cool nights. Mating involves monogamous pair bonds that often persist for multiple years, with pairs returning to the same nest sites annually. Seethe New York wildlife guidefor more.
Coexistence and Safety
Turkey Vultures are 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. Their ecological role as scavengers is beneficial, preventing the spread of disease by efficiently consuming carrion. In New York, Turkey Vultures are increasingly accepted and appreciated by wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Small pets and cats face no risk from these birds, which feed exclusively on animals that are already dead. Dogs and livestock are completely safe. Ranchers have no legitimate concerns about Turkey Vultures preying on their animals. If you find a Turkey Vulture on the ground, it may be injured or temporarily weakened. Do not handle or touch it. Instead, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or the New York Department of Environmental Conservation for professional assistance. Turkey Vultures occasionally perch on buildings or structures but cause no damage. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem and is harmless to people and property.
Common Species Confusion
Turkey Vultures can be confused with large raptors in New York, particularly Golden Eagles and Bald Eagles. Golden Eagles are larger, faster fliers with darker overall appearance and lack the red head and pale wing patches. Bald Eagles, which are increasingly common in New York, are unmistakable with white heads and tails and are much rarer than Turkey Vultures. Red-tailed Hawks are considerably smaller and show distinctive tail coloring and different wing patterns. Osprey are smaller and display black and white patterns absent in Turkey Vultures. The bright red head of adult Turkey Vultures is absolutely distinctive among New York birds. Immature Turkey Vultures with gray heads still display 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 differs from the more energetic flight of eagles and hawks. The overall size and silhouette become recognizable with experience and observation. Field guides and online resources provide photographic references for accurate identification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How common are Turkey Vultures in New York? A: They are regular spring through fall visitors and summer residents in southern and central areas, with increasing winter records. Q: Do Turkey Vultures breed in New York? A: Yes, breeding does occur in suitable habitat, particularly in the Hudson valley and other areas with cliff faces or suitable structures. Q: Why are Turkey Vultures increasingly common in New York? A: Climate change and range expansion have allowed populations to move northward over recent decades. Q: Are Turkey Vultures attracted to garbage or refuse? A: No. They feed only on carrion and are not scavengers of discarded food or waste.
Plan your trip
Best time to see turkey vulture in New York: April, May, March
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your turkey vulture sighting in New York
536,287 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in New York, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in New York
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Fire Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Martin Van Buren National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- National Parks of New York Harbor · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Jones Beach SP · 344 species recorded
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge · 329 species recorded
- Robert Moses SP · 329 species recorded
- Jones Beach SP--West End · 323 species recorded
- Braddock Bay · 312 species recorded
- Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge--West Pond · 306 species recorded
Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).
Recent turkey vulture sightings
- Little Falls Marina - Rotary Park · 2026-07-20 13:13 · 8 seen
- Mahaffey Rd., btwn Hinds Rd. & CR 42 · 2026-07-20 13:00 · 2 seen
- Chasm Hts, Canandaigua US-NY · 2026-07-20 12:59 · 1 seen
- Cheshire tributary field and forest · 2026-07-20 12:55 · 5 seen
- Carr Road · 2026-07-20 12:50 · 4 seen
More wildlife in New York