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Are There Turkey Vultures in Tennessee?

Yes, Turkey Vultures are year-round residents throughout Tennessee, found across the entire state. These large dark vultures are extremely common and visible daily across most of Tennessee. They soar on warm thermals above fields, forests, and roads, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River valley.

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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 Tennessee

Turkey Vulture · Public domain CC0

Turkey Vulture photographed in Tennessee

Turkey Vulture · Jay Brasher CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in Tennessee

Turkey Vulture · Jay Brasher CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Tennessee
1
species recorded
205,730
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots
April, March, October
peak months

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

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

1,739 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in Tennessee, most often in April, March, October.

When turkey vulture are recorded in Tennessee

Yes, Turkey Vultures are year-round residents throughout Tennessee, found across the entire state. These large dark vultures are extremely common and visible daily across most of Tennessee. They soar on warm thermals above fields, forests, and roads, from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Mississippi River valley.

Where Turkey Vultures Are Found in Tennessee

Turkey Vultures are found statewide across Tennessee in all habitats and elevations. In eastern Tennessee, they are abundant in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region and throughout the Appalachian foothills. They soar above Roan Mountain and the Cherokee National Forest regularly. In central Tennessee, they occur across the Cumberland Plateau and surrounding valleys, particularly common along the Cumberland River drainage system. The Nashville and Knoxville areas host numerous Turkey Vultures year-round. Western Tennessee lowlands, including areas around Memphis and along the Mississippi River bottoms, are excellent locations to observe them. The Tennessee River drainage system supports substantial populations throughout its entire length across the state. Turkey Vultures readily adapt to various elevations, from the highest mountain ridges in the Great Smoky Mountains to the low floodplain forests of western Tennessee. They are particularly abundant over open country, farmland, and grasslands throughout all three geographic regions of Tennessee. Seethe Turkey Vultures guide for Tennesseefor more.

Seasonal Timing and Activity

Turkey Vultures are year-round residents of Tennessee, though their abundance fluctuates with the seasons. Spring brings increased activity and visibility as breeding pairs establish territories and become more vocal. From March through September, Turkey Vultures are highly visible as they soar searching for food during daylight hours. Summer months show peak abundance and activity, with birds nesting in caves, rock overhangs, and hollow trees throughout the state. Fall migration from August through October brings additional birds from northern regions passing through Tennessee. Winter populations remain substantial in Tennessee, particularly in areas with reliable food sources like roadkill and wildlife. Mild Tennessee winters mean that many vultures that breed in northern states can remain here or move through predictably. The best viewing occurs during warm afternoons when thermals form, typically between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Early morning and overcast days produce fewer sightings, as vultures require thermal lift to soar efficiently. Seethe Tennessee wildlife guidefor more.

Identifying Turkey Vultures in Tennessee

Turkey Vultures are large, dark raptors easily identified by their distinctive features. Adults display all-black plumage on the body and wings, with a bare red head that is visible at moderate to close range. Their wings show a distinctive two-toned pattern from below: dark at the shoulder and silvery gray on the flight feathers and trailing edge. This two-toned wing pattern is diagnostic and visible even at great distances. The tail is relatively short and rounded compared to other large raptors. Immature birds show a grayish or pinkish head instead of the bright red of adults. In flight, Turkey Vultures hold their wings in a slight V-shape, or dihedral position, which is different from the flat wing posture of eagles. Combined with their characteristic wobbling or rocking flight style, this makes identification straightforward. They are relatively slow, heavy fliers that rarely flap, instead soaring and gliding on thermals. From the ground, perched birds show a distinctive hunch-backed or slouched posture. Seethe national wildlife hubfor more.

Where to Find Turkey Vultures in Tennessee

Turkey Vultures are easiest to observe in open areas with good thermals and visible carrion sources. In eastern Tennessee, visit Roan Mountain, Bald River Falls, or trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, where you will see birds soaring above ridges. The overlooks at Clingmans Dome and Newfound Gap regularly offer sightings. Along the Cumberland River from Nashville to Clarksville, vultures are reliably visible, especially near open benches and bluffs. In central Tennessee, the Duck River and its surrounding valleys provide consistent viewing opportunities. Open farmland and grasslands throughout middle Tennessee are productive, particularly around Shelbyville, Columbia, and the surrounding counties. In western Tennessee, travel roads through Shelby Bottoms and areas near Memphis offer excellent views. Along Interstate 40 and other major highways, you'll frequently see Turkey Vultures perched on dead trees or soaring overhead. Early morning on rural roads often provides the best viewing, as birds gather near overnight roosts and begin daily movements.

Typical Behavior and Diet

Turkey Vultures are obligate scavengers that survive entirely by feeding on carrion. They possess an exceptional sense of smell, described as one of the best among all birds, and use this ability to locate dead animals below dense forest canopy and vegetation. They search for food as they soar, typically traveling in patterns that allow them to scan large areas efficiently. Once a food source is located, multiple vultures may gather and feed together. Turkey Vultures are generally silent birds but may produce hisses or low grunts when disturbed at a carcass. They gather at communal roosts in evening hours, often in large groups, and may perch together on dead trees, cliff faces, or tall structures. In Tennessee's warm climate, they can forage throughout the year. Turkey Vultures spend the majority of daylight hours soaring and searching, expending minimal energy through wing flapping. They rely on thermals and updrafts to gain altitude, making their flight style an energy-efficient adaptation for covering large territories while foraging.

Coexistence and Protection Notes

Turkey Vultures are protected by federal law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means they cannot be harmed without special permits. In Tennessee, residents should appreciate them as natural sanitation workers that remove carrion and reduce disease transmission. They pose no direct threat to humans or domestic animals. Dead livestock, wildlife carcasses, and roadkill that Turkey Vultures consume are actually beneficial to property owners and the broader ecosystem. Turkey Vultures rarely create conflicts with other wildlife species, as they occupy a unique ecological niche. Some people express concern about roosting birds, but they are harmless and simply need sheltered places to rest overnight. If roosting near homes becomes a nuisance, exclusion methods like netting or perch modification can discourage them. Most Tennessee residents accept Turkey Vultures as valuable members of the ecosystem. Their presence indicates a healthy environment with appropriate food sources and habitat. Legally and ethically, Turkey Vultures must be left unmolested.

Species Often Confused with Turkey Vultures

Several large raptors share Tennessee skies with Turkey Vultures and may cause confusion for observers. Golden Eagles are the most commonly mistaken species. While both are large and dark, Golden Eagles are stockier with a heavier head and neck, and they hold their wings flat or slightly raised when soaring rather than Turkey Vultures' V-shape. Golden Eagles have proportionally longer, more squared-off tails. Black Vultures are smaller than Turkey Vultures and show bright white patches on their wings that are visible in flight. Bald Eagles, though now recovering in Tennessee, are larger and show white head and tail markings. Zone-tailed Hawks, a rare Tennessee visitor, soar with a two-toned wing pattern similar to Turkey Vultures but are much smaller. Red-tailed Hawks are common in Tennessee and much smaller than Turkey Vultures, with different silhouettes. From a distance, young Red-tailed Hawks or light-morphs can briefly appear similar, but their smaller size and different wing shape resolve the identification. Learning Turkey Vultures' distinctive V-shaped wing posture and wobbling flight style makes separation from all other Tennessee birds straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Turkey Vultures attack people or pets? No, Turkey Vultures feed only on carrion and have no interest in living animals. They are completely harmless to humans and domestic pets. Q: What is that rocking motion when they fly? Turkey Vultures rock their wings side to side as they soar, using this motion to maintain balance and adjust their flight path without expending energy flapping. This style is energy efficient and is a signature feature. Q: Are Turkey Vultures the same as Black Vultures? No, Black Vultures are smaller, stockier, and show white patches on their wings. Turkey Vultures lack these patches and are larger and more polished in flight. Q: Why are there so many Turkey Vultures in Tennessee? Tennessee provides excellent habitat with abundant food sources from wildlife and roadkill, mild winters, and varied landscape features. For more on Tennessee wildlife, visit/wildlife/tennessee. Explore/wildlifeto learn about species nationwide.

Plan your trip

Best time to see turkey vulture in Tennessee: April, March, October

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your turkey vulture sighting in Tennessee

205,730 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in Tennessee, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Tennessee

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent turkey vulture sightings

  • Fall Creek Falls SP--Inn and Cabins · 2026-07-20 12:28 · 3 seen
  • Gibson County Lake · 2026-07-20 12:26 · 2 seen
  • Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge · 2026-07-20 11:34 · 4 seen
  • Cumberland Trail, Chattanooga US-TN 35.10182, -85.42418 · 2026-07-20 10:39 · 2 seen
  • Shelby Park--Sevier Lake area · 2026-07-20 10:28 · 3 seen

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

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