Repeated use of an abandoned vehicle by nesting Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura)

Journal of Raptor Research
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Abstract

Turkey Vultures (Cathartes aura) lay their eggs on an existing substrate in the dark recesses of a variety of natural sites (Kirk and Mossman 1998). Although an important requirement of Turkey Vulture nest-site selection is isolation from human disturbances (Kirk and Mossman 1998), their nests have been reported in abandoned buildings since at least the early 1800s (Nuttall 1832). Depopulation of rural areas in North America in recent decades has resulted in many abandoned buildings within the Turkey Vulture's breeding range (Peck 2003). Increased use of abandoned buildings by nesting Turkey Vultures has been implicated in the species' recent northward range expansion (Peck 2003, Nelson et al. 2005, Houston et al. 2007). Although abandoned or inoperative vehicles also are widespread in rural areas, we found no published literature documenting Turkey Vultures' use of these potential nest sites. Herein, we summarize the first documented incidence of a Turkey Vulture nesting in an abandoned vehicle.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Repeated use of an abandoned vehicle by nesting Turkey vultures (Cathartes aura)
Series title Journal of Raptor Research
DOI 10.3356/JRR-09-02.1
Volume 44
Issue 1
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher The Raptor Research Foundation
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 3 p.
First page 73
Last page 75
Country United States
State South Dakota
County Butte County
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