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Are There Turkey Vultures in Washington?

Turkey Vultures occur throughout Washington, with populations concentrated in eastern regions and less common west of the Cascades. Spring and summer bring the most reliable sightings as breeding birds establish territories and soar over grasslands and open canyons. The Snake River corridor and Blue Mountains provide excellent habitat for these skilled scavengers.

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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 Washington

Turkey Vulture · Gavin Slater CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in Washington

Turkey Vulture · Gavin Slater CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in Washington

Turkey Vulture · Gavin Slater CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in Washington
1
species recorded
151,526
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots
May, June, April
peak months

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

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

1,854 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in Washington, most often in May, June, April.

When turkey vulture are recorded in Washington

Turkey Vultures occur throughout Washington, with populations concentrated in eastern regions and less common west of the Cascades. Spring and summer bring the most reliable sightings as breeding birds establish territories and soar over grasslands and open canyons. The Snake River corridor and Blue Mountains provide excellent habitat for these skilled scavengers.

Where Turkey Vultures Are Found in Washington

Turkey Vultures are most abundant in eastern Washington, particularly in the shrub-steppe and grassland regions east of the Cascade Range. The Columbia River basin and Snake River drainage support thriving vulture populations. The Blue Mountains and Wallowa Valley area in northeastern Washington provide prime habitat. Open ridges and canyons throughout the eastern plateau attract soaring birds. Western Washington west of the Cascades has far fewer Turkey Vultures, though they are increasingly observed in the Willamette Valley region near the Oregon border. The shrub-steppe landscape with scattered junipers and open rolling terrain is ideal vulture habitat. Grasslands near rivers and streams support regular populations. Agricultural areas and ranching regions attract birds seeking carrion. The Columbia River Gorge provides travel corridors and habitat for transient birds. Visitour Washington wildlife guideto learn about other species in the state. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for Washingtonfor more.

Seasonal Patterns and Migration in Washington

Turkey Vultures in Washington are primarily summer residents, with most birds arriving in April and May for the breeding season. Peak numbers occur June through August when birds are actively breeding and raising young. Fall migration begins in August with southward movement continuing through September. Some birds occasionally remain in mild winters, particularly in the Columbia Basin. Northern Washington regions experience less winter presence, with most birds migrating south. Spring arrival corresponds with warming temperatures and increased thermal activity. The timing varies year to year depending on weather conditions. Unseasonably warm springs bring earlier vultures while cold springs delay arrivals. Summer thermals are strongest in afternoon hours, concentrating bird activity. Winter records exist but are uncommon and likely transient individuals passing through the region. Seethe Washington wildlife guidefor more.

Identifying Turkey Vultures in Washington

Turkey Vultures are large raptors measuring 26 to 32 inches in length with wingspans up to 6 feet. Adults display entirely black plumage with distinctive bare red heads and wrinkled neck skin. The small head appears disproportionate to the bulky body. Immature birds show gray heads instead of red, making identification more challenging. In flight, the characteristic feature is the shallow V-shape posture of the wings. Their wings are long and broad with visible finger-like primary feathers at the wing tips. Flight appears wobbly or unsteady, with minimal wing flapping. Thermals allow them to circle and soar effortlessly for hours. The teetering flight pattern distinguishes them from eagles and other large raptors. Close views reveal a bare, wrinkled head and neck without feathers.

Washington Locations for Turkey Vulture Sightings

The Snake River Canyon and adjacent plateaus in eastern Washington offer the highest concentration of Turkey Vultures. Open ridges and basalt outcrops in Wallowa County and surrounding areas provide ideal soaring habitat. The Columbia Plateau shrub-steppe landscape supports regular summer populations. Highway corridors, particularly Interstate 84 and Highway 395, concentrate vultures feeding on roadkill. Grasslands and rangeland near agricultural areas attract birds searching for carrion. Dead animal locations, particularly in livestock operations, draw multiple vultures to concentrated feeding sites. River valleys, including the John Day River area, provide travel corridors and nesting habitat. Early morning hours show departing birds while late afternoon brings them returning to roost sites. Warm sunny days produce the strongest thermals and most soaring activity. The national wildlife refuge areas of eastern Washington support regular vulture populations.

Turkey Vulture Behavior and Diet in Washington

Turkey Vultures are obligate carrion feeders, relying entirely on dead animals for food. They use their exceptional sense of smell, superior to most birds, to locate food from considerable distances. Multiple vultures often congregate at food sources, with dozens sometimes gathering at large carcasses. Roosting behavior includes spreading wings to dry feathers or regulate body temperature. Birds huddle together at night in trees, on cliff ledges, or under bridges. The birds perform an important ecological service by removing carrion that could otherwise spread disease. They rarely engage in competitive disputes, though occasional squabbles occur over food. Turkey Vultures regurgitate a foul-smelling defense fluid when threatened or stressed. Their powerful stomach acid dissolves bone, allowing consumption of entire carcasses. Vomiting in flight occurs occasionally, but directed flight eliminates much vomited material.

Safety and Legal Considerations for Coexistence

Turkey Vultures present no danger to humans or pets in Washington. These birds are entirely harmless and beneficial, removing carrion that otherwise poses health risks. Washington law protects all native bird species, including Turkey Vultures. Intentionally harming or killing vultures is illegal under state and federal law. Observing and photographing vultures from a distance requires no special permits. Nesting birds occasionally use building ledges or bridge structures, creating visual complaints. Professional wildlife management services can help address nesting issues before they escalate. The birds show no aggression toward humans and actively avoid confrontation. Coexistence is entirely possible with simple management strategies. The ecological benefits of vulture presence far outweigh any perceived inconvenience.

Species Commonly Confused with Turkey Vultures

Golden Eagles occasionally appear similar in silhouette but are more heavily built with feathered heads and powerful flight patterns. The Golden Eagle shows yellow cere and eye-ring absent in vultures. Rough-legged Hawks smaller than vultures, with different wing shapes and active flight. Osprey soar similarly but show white undersides and hover-hunting behavior. Bald Eagles are much rarer in eastern Washington summer months and show obvious white head markings. Red-tailed Hawks are common raptors but much smaller with distinct hunting behavior. Young Turkey Vultures with gray heads might confuse observers unfamiliar with age variation. Condor sightings are extremely rare in Washington and unlikely in regions where vultures are common. The distinctive wobbling flight and shallow wing V-shape separate Turkey Vultures from all other large soaring birds. The bare red head in adults is unique among Washington raptors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Turkey Vultures common in Washington? Turkey Vultures are fairly common summer residents in eastern Washington but rare west of the Cascades. What attracts Turkey Vultures to an area? Dead animals provide the primary attraction, with vultures using their excellent sense of smell to locate carrion across wide areas. When should I expect to see Turkey Vultures in Washington? Late spring through early fall offers the best viewing opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon hours show the most activity as birds leave and return to roost sites. For more Washington wildlife information, visitour state wildlife hubor checkthe national wildlife guide.

Plan your trip

Best time to see turkey vulture in Washington: May, June, April

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your turkey vulture sighting in Washington

151,526 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in Washington, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Washington

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent turkey vulture sightings

  • Meadowbrook Farm · 2026-07-20 09:43
  • Okanogan Highlands--Bobolink field, Havillah Rd. · 2026-07-20 08:42 · 1 seen
  • Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, North Bend US-WA 47.43510, -121.76935 · 2026-07-20 08:34 · 2 seen
  • Willapa Hills Trail--Shorey Road Crossing · 2026-07-20 08:04 · 1 seen
  • Stanwood Water Treatment Plant · 2026-07-19 19:38 · 1 seen

Planning a trip to see turkey vulture? Find places to stay near Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve on Booking.com.

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