The Vulture

Vultures are large birds, weighing up to 6 lb with a wingspan up to 32 in long. Often seen in flocks of 70 or more birds, vultures enjoy roosting high above the ground, in towers and rooftops. Vulture species which most often prey on poultry include:

• Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus): A large black bird with wrinkled bare-skinned heads and necks.
• Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura): Dark brown with a bare head and neck, and skin color varying from pink to bright red.

If provided with the opportunity, vultures will kill young or fully-grown ducks and chickens, as well as their eggs. They will often begin feeding on young or sick poultry by pecking the eyes and nose, navel, and vent. They have blinded birds by pecking out their eyes, even when they do not kill the birds they attack. Vultures are heavy, aggressive birds that can destroy most standard bird control products.

Regulatory Law: In the United States, all vultures are protected by law under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act so humane bird control methods must be used to move them.