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Difference Between Wild Turkey and Turkey Vulture
In excess of 7 million animal species have been identified so far. In light of this, it is reasonable to state that even the more frequent ones may be extremely puzzling, even if they are not particularly rare. For instance, while members of the same species of animal may have some external characteristics, they would nevertheless be considered to belong to separate species. As an example, the wild turkey and the turkey vulture are both large, flightless birds with distinctive red heads. Yet there are certain distinctions between them, as we shall see.
What is Wild Turkey?
This bird, native to North America, is a ground-dwelling species not dissimilar to our domesticated turkey. Feathers on their bodies are black or dark grey with a coppery shine, and they have bumps, or caruncles, on their heads. They have three normal-sized toes in front and a fourth, smaller toe that points backwards. Males are bigger and more robust than females, and they also have a distinctive spur behind the hind legs.
Common areas for wild turkeys to be found include forests that have both conifers and hardwoods, as well as agricultural areas, marshes, and pastures. They can also make a variety of noises, including as clucks, purrs, gobbles, yelps, whines, kee-kees, and putts.
While adult male wild turkeys weigh an average of 37.1 pounds, they are surprisingly nimble and quick to the air. They have excellent daytime vision but weak night vision, making them vulnerable to predators. They are omnivores that may be seen climbing bushes and small trees as well as hunting for food on the ground, and they eat a variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, roots, and even insects and tiny reptiles.
Wild turkey is not only a crucial aspect of the ecology, but also a significant cultural component for many Native American tribes as the centrepiece of the Thanksgiving feast. Eastern wild turkey, Osceola wild turkey, Rio Grande wild turkey, Merriam wild turkey, Gould's wild turkey, and South Mexico wild turkey are all sub-species of the wild turkey.
What is Turkey Vulture?
This species of scavenging bird is widespread throughout southern Canada and South America, where it goes by a number of different names. The bird's body feathers range from dark brown to black, and its flying feathers are a silvery grey. The adult has a much smaller red head than the rest of its body, and it has no feathers.
Grasslands, shrublands, subtropical forests, and deserts are typical habitats for it. Being a scavenger, the turkey vulture subsists mostly on carrion. The bird flies low and uses its strong sense of smell and sight to locate dead animals. Nevertheless, unlike birds, it lacks a syrinx and can only make low hisses and grunts while communicating.
There aren't too many predators in the wild, so you can always locate it nesting in thickets, caves, or hollow trees. There are five distinct species of turkey vulture: C. a. aura, C. a. jota, C. a. meridionalis, C. a. ruficollis, and C. a. septentrionalis.
Similarities: Wild Turkey and Turkey Vulture
Both are dark, large and have featherless redheads
Both receive legal protection against illegal activities that could be a threat to their existence
Differences: Wild Turkey and Turkey Vulture
The following table highlights the major differences between Wild Turkey and Turkey Vulture −
Characteristics |
Wild Turkey |
Turkey Vulture |
|---|---|---|
Habitats |
The wild turkey may be found in abundance in areas that combine conifer and hardwood forest with agricultural lands, meadows, and seasonal wetlands. |
The turkey vulture is most frequently seen in grasslands, shrublands, subtropical forests, and deserts, all of which are open or somewhat open habitats. |
Vocalization |
The wild turkey may cluck, purr, gobble, yell, whine, kee-kee, and putt, among many other sounds. |
The turkey vulture lacks the syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human voice box, and communicates only through grunts and hisses. |
Diet |
While it mostly consumes plant matter like nuts, seeds, and roots, wild turkeys may also eat tiny animals like insects and reptiles when available. |
Turkey vultures are carnivores that eat dead animals, fish in the open, and even insects. |
Flight |
The wild turkey is a swift flyer and nimble creature. |
There is no need to worry about a turkey vulture keeping up with you in the air. |
Species |
The Eastern wild turkey, Osceola wild turkey, Rio Grande wild turkey, Merriam wild turkey, Gould's wild turkey, and South Mexico wild turkey are all sub-species of the wild turkey. |
There are five distinct species of turkey vulture: C. a. aura, C. a. jota, C. a. meridionalis, C. a. ruficollis, and C. a. septentrionalis. |
Conclusion
While wild turkeys and turkey vultures share a similar name, they are vastly different in terms of appearance, behavior, and habitat. Wild turkeys are ground-dwelling omnivores, while turkey vultures are birds of prey that feed on carrion. Understanding the differences between these two species is important for identifying and appreciating the unique qualities of each bird.
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