Is this a hawk or vulture, and is it a threat?

[Opa]

I've reached the age that everytime I see one of them birds flying overhead I check my pulse.

 

[Raising Reds]

I'm impressed that you were able to take such a clear close-up of the vulture!

We have thirty or so that nest on the power lines near our house. They're much maligned but actually pretty cool birds for carrion eaters. They can hone in on a scent from miles away and are accomplished gliders.

No danger to your chickens, luckily.

 

[lone cedar farm]

Yeo thats a turkey vulture and they are one of your best friends to have around!

 

[lauralou]

We are absolutely covered up with vultures, and I haven't had any problems with them either.

Haven't noticed them running off any hawks. Our crows seem to do a good job at that.

Notice that I started calling them "our crows" after I saw them harrassing the hawks.

 

[Uzuri]

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Try between 60-100 every morning. That's how it was near my college dormitory. They really, really like large old pines and would roost there. All of them taking off in the morning was quite a sight (and a noise; they're not real graceful, and they tend to knock branches off the trees).

 

[Robin'sBrood]

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[cmjust0]

Turkey vultures don't have the physical strength in their feet to pick anything up. As carrion eaters, they've evolved to have extremely weak feet and claws. Their beaks are really weak, too.

You'll have no problem with turkey vultures eating your chickens.

In fact...the more turkey vultures you have around eating carrion, the less carrion you'll have around, and carrion attracts things like coyotes, stray dogs, foxes, raccoons, and especially possums...

When you think about it, turkey vultures may be sorta like anti-predators for people who keep chickens.

 

[Guinea Goonie]

Next time you look up, look for the black leading and gray/white trailing feathers in the wings.

This is only found on turkey vultures.

Hawks are more compact with their wings and tail feathers and they are one color.

We have lots of the vultures around and they will come very close to the ground, but I have never had a problem with them harming my birds.

Thanks for the picture, this will help many others.

 

[BreadNButterFarm]

Yeah ~ Thanks or the photo and everyone's info! I didn't know they were the "anti-threat" but am glad the ugly buggers are good for something!

 

[hen-thusiast]

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That would creep me out. I could handle a couple, but 30!!