General Information
Turkey vultures are often referred to by the misnomer “buzzards.” Buzzards are what Europeans called hawks, and when early Europeans began to settle in the United States, they thought the large birds they saw flying were hawks. They called them “buzzards,” and the misnomer stuck.
Many turkey vultures live in Ohio during the winter, but most migrate as far south as South America. Turkey vultures can be found in almost any habitat. They are frequently seen in groups soaring high above the trees, with their wings outstretched in a “V” shape.
Buzzard Day is a tradition celebrated each year in Hinckley, Ohio. According to legend, there was a great hunt in Hinckley in the early 1800s. Hunters left behind many butchered carcasses and unwanted game, attracting hundreds of turkey vultures to the area. Legend has it that every spring, hundreds of turkey vultures come back to Hinckley looking for that same feast they enjoyed many years ago.
Meet Our Turkey Vultures
Two turkey vultures, Gandalf and Vinnie, live in the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented by KeyBank at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Vinnie
Vinnie the turkey vulture was found in spring 1991 as a juvenile after being hit by a car in Brunswick, Ohio. He was brought to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History at a time when the Museum was doing wildlife rehabilitation. Unfortunately, Vinnie had severe damage to his right elbow; it was fused and did not have full extension. This damage was irreversible and would limit his ability to fly. He was soon deemed unreleasable, and he remains a permanent resident at the Museum. Vinnie has served for many years as one of our educational ambassadors, traveling to programs both inside and outside the Museum to teach our community about native wildlife.
Gandalf
Gandalf the turkey vulture is thought to have been born in spring 2003. He was found soon after that with an impact injury to his right wing, most likely from a collision with a car. Gandalf was brought to the Medina Raptor Center for rehabilitation, but his wing was too badly injured for him to be released. Being unflighted and unable to survive in the wild, Gandalf became a permanent resident at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in December 2005. He can now be seen in the Perkins Wildlife Center.
Lifespan
Wild: 8–12 years
Captivity: 25–30 years
Fun Facts