🌿ESM

Are There Turkey Vultures in Wyoming?

Turkey Vultures occur throughout Wyoming, with populations concentrated in lower elevations and river valleys. Spring and summer bring breeding birds to Wyoming grasslands, canyons, and open terrain. The Snake River valley, Powder River, and other major drainages support reliable Turkey Vulture populations during the warm season.

T

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 Wyoming

Turkey Vulture · Isaac Krone CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in Wyoming

Turkey Vulture · Jay Brasher CC BY

Turkey Vulture photographed in Wyoming

Turkey Vulture · Pirataber CC BY

Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Found in WyomingPeak season right now
1
species recorded
30,802
GBIF records
6
birding hotspots
July, June, May
peak months

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

Real sighting data, source iNaturalist

428 verified observations on iNaturalist of turkey vulture have been recorded in Wyoming, most often in July, June, May.

When turkey vulture are recorded in Wyoming

Turkey Vultures occur throughout Wyoming, with populations concentrated in lower elevations and river valleys. Spring and summer bring breeding birds to Wyoming grasslands, canyons, and open terrain. The Snake River valley, Powder River, and other major drainages support reliable Turkey Vulture populations during the warm season.

Where Turkey Vultures Are Found in Wyoming

Turkey Vultures inhabit lower elevation regions throughout Wyoming, particularly river valleys and open grasslands. The Snake River drainage from the northwest corner through Jackson Hole provides consistent vulture habitat. The Powder River basin in north-central Wyoming supports regular summer populations. The Wind River valley and surrounding areas host breeding vultures during the season. Laramie Range foothills and the surrounding high plains attract soaring birds. The Bighorn Mountains and foothills provide seasonal habitat during breeding months. High elevation areas above 8,000 feet rarely support vultures due to limited thermal currents and lower carrion availability. Open rangeland and grasslands throughout eastern Wyoming concentrate vultures during breeding season. River canyons and badlands offer ideal nesting and soaring habitat. Visitour Wyoming wildlife guideto explore additional species found throughout the state. Seethe Turkey Vulture guide for Wyomingfor more.

Seasonal Patterns and Migration in Wyoming

Turkey Vultures are primarily summer residents in Wyoming, arriving in April and May as temperatures warm. Breeding season extends from April through August with peak populations June through July. Spring migration brings vultures moving north through Wyoming in late April and May. Fall migration begins in August with southward movement through September. Most Wyoming vultures depart by October as thermal conditions deteriorate and food sources diminish. Winter records are extremely rare, with only occasional stragglers remaining during mild years. Unseasonably warm springs bring earlier arrivals while cold springs delay breeding populations. Warm sunny days produce optimal thermal development for soaring and hunting. Cool cloudy weather significantly reduces vulture activity and visibility. Early morning and late afternoon hours show the most active movement and soaring behavior. Seethe Wyoming wildlife guidefor more.

How to Identify Turkey Vultures

Turkey Vultures measure 26 to 32 inches in length with impressive wingspans reaching 6 feet or more. Adults display entirely black plumage except for distinctive bare red heads and wrinkled neck skin. The proportionally small head appears disproportionate relative to the bulky body frame. Immature birds possess gray heads instead of red, making confident identification more challenging for observers. The most distinctive field mark is the characteristic shallow V-shaped posture of wings during soaring flight. Long, broad wings feature prominent finger-like primary feathers visible at the wing tips. Flight appears wobbly and unsteady with minimal wing flapping compared to other large raptors. Extended soaring and circling on thermal updrafts characterizes typical behavior. The teetering, unbalanced flight pattern clearly distinguishes vultures from all other Wyoming raptors. Close views reveal entirely bare skin on head and neck with prominent wrinkles.

Where to See Turkey Vultures in Wyoming

The Snake River canyon near Jackson offers excellent viewing opportunities for summer breeding vultures. The Powder River valley in north-central Wyoming provides reliable sightings during breeding season. Open ridges and plateaus throughout eastern Wyoming concentrate soaring vultures. Highway corridors, particularly Interstate 25 and Highway 14, attract vultures feeding on roadkill. River valleys throughout the state support regular summer populations during migration and breeding. The Wind River valley and surrounding areas host breeding birds during warm months. Grasslands and open rangeland near livestock operations concentrate foraging vultures. Dead animal sites, particularly in ranching areas, draw multiple vultures quickly. Early morning departures from roosting sites show concentrated activity. Late afternoon returns to roost sites offer excellent observation opportunities. Warm sunny afternoons with strong thermal development produce continuous soaring behavior.

Turkey Vulture Behavior and Feeding Habits

Turkey Vultures are obligate scavengers feeding exclusively on carrion from dead mammals to roadkill. Their exceptional sense of smell allows detection of food sources from considerable distances. Multiple vultures congregate at food sources, with dozens sometimes sharing large carcasses. Roosting behavior includes gathering at night on tall dead trees, cliff ledges, or under bridge structures. Wing-spreading at roost sites aids in feather drying and body temperature regulation. The birds provide essential ecological services by efficiently consuming disease-bearing carrion. Turkey Vultures cannot kill live prey and pose no threat to livestock or wildlife. Social interactions at food sources generally remain peaceful despite occasional competitive disputes. Defense behavior includes regurgitating foul-smelling stomach contents when threatened or stressed. Powerful stomach acid allows complete consumption of carcasses including bones and tissue.

Coexistence and Legal Protections

Turkey Vultures are entirely beneficial to Wyoming ecosystems and residents. These birds present no danger to people, pets, or livestock and are completely protected under state and federal law. Intentionally harming or killing Turkey Vultures is illegal and subject to penalty. Observing and photographing vultures from appropriate distances requires no special permits. Nesting birds occasionally use building ledges or structures, rarely causing significant problems. Professional wildlife management can address any nesting concerns humanely and effectively. The birds show no aggression toward humans and actively avoid confrontation. Coexistence is simple, requiring only respect for the birds and their ecological role. The benefits of vultures substantially outweigh any perceived inconvenience. Public education improves group appreciation for these important scavengers.

Birds Confused with Turkey Vultures

Golden Eagles are occasionally confused with Turkey Vultures despite significant differences in appearance and behavior. Eagles have feathered heads with yellow cere and eye markings. Rough-legged Hawks are smaller with different wing shapes and active hunting flight patterns. Red-tailed Hawks are common Wyoming raptors but much smaller than Turkey Vultures. Bald Eagles are less common in Wyoming summer months and show obvious white head markings. Osprey soar similarly but display striking white undersides and hover-hunting behavior. Prairie Falcons are smaller raptors with different silhouettes and hunting strategies. Young Turkey Vultures with gray heads may confuse observers unfamiliar with age-related variation. The distinctive wobbling flight and shallow V-shaped wing posture clearly separate Turkey Vultures from all other Wyoming raptors. The bare red head in adults is unique among Wyoming birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Turkey Vultures found at high elevations in Wyoming? Turkey Vultures prefer lower elevations and river valleys where thermals are more reliable and carrion is more abundant. When should I expect Turkey Vultures in Wyoming? Late spring through early fall offers the best viewing opportunities. What do Turkey Vultures eat in Wyoming? Turkey Vultures feed on carrion including dead wildlife and livestock throughout the state. Can Turkey Vultures harm people or pets? Turkey Vultures are completely harmless and feed only on dead animals. For more Wyoming wildlife information, visitour Wyoming wildlife hubor explorethe national wildlife guide.

Plan your trip

Best time to see turkey vulture in Wyoming: July, June, May

See the month-by-month sighting calendar.

When to go

Plan your turkey vulture sighting in Wyoming

30,802 verified turkey vulture records have been logged in Wyoming, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.

Where to look in Wyoming

Birding hotspots via eBird (Cornell Lab).

Recent turkey vulture sightings

  • Devils Tower NM · 2026-07-20 08:10 · 1 seen
  • Devil's Tower NM--Belle Fourche River Campground · 2026-07-20 06:37 · 1 seen
  • Forest Service Road 111, Pinedale US-WY 42.94446, -109.79286 · 2026-07-19 21:10 · 1 seen
  • Yellowstone NP--Forces of the Northern Range Nature Trail · 2026-07-19 17:36 · 3 seen
  • Yellowstone NP--Crystal Creek · 2026-07-19 15:38 · 1 seen

Planning a trip to see turkey vulture? Find places to stay near Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area on Booking.com.

More wildlife in Wyoming

Hawk in WyomingBadger in WyomingSquirrel in WyomingFox in Wyoming