They used to perch atop the bank building at the corner of Stuebner Airline and Cypresswood -- a group, or "venue," of vultures! I haven't seen them there in months, but if you look up in the sky on a clear day, you can see vultures soaring high above.

Vultures have been wrongly perceived as disgusting creatures because they feed mainly on carrion. In truth, they are amazing birds that provide a necessary service: cleaning up dead animals from our roadways and fields, protecting us from the spread of disease.

Vultures are not interested in moving animals. They will only descend on something lying still and will only approach if it smells decayed. They are not a threat to children or pets.

The Houston area is home to two of three New World vultures: Turkey and Black, with the third being the California Condor. Turkey Vultures are named for their featherless red heads and brown-black feathers. They are one of the few birds of prey able to locate food by sense of smell. Their wings stretch 6 feet across, and appear two-toned from below. They fly with their wings in a V-shape, rocking from side to side and rarely flapping.

The slightly smaller Black Vulture has a black head and shorter, more triangle-shaped, tail. When soaring, they hold their white-tipped wings horizontally and flap much more than turkey vultures do.

A group of vultures circling in the sky is called a "kettle." Circling vultures do not necessarily mean there's a carcass in the area. They may be playing, looking for food, or gaining altitude for a long flight. Vultures can soar for hours at high altitudes. They catch thermal updrafts and have been reported by aircraft pilots as high as 20,000 feet. They can also swoop up to 60 mph to avoid being mobbed by bluejays.

Vultures nest on the ground under bushes or in hollow stumps. The female lays two eggs; unlike most birds of prey, the chicks are fed regurgitated food, not fresh pieces of meat.

Early in the morning, you may see vultures sunbathing on a tree or utility pole with their wings spread, increasing their body temperature after a cool night. They are usually silent but will his or grunt while eating or if threatened.

Vultures are protected from disease associated with decaying animals by a very sophisticated immune system. Their unfeathered heads are easy to keep clean; any bits of food left after eating will be baked away by the sun.

In Native American culture, the vulture represented cleansing of the spirit and strength to accept difficulty. They continue to be an important part of our world and an interesting species to watch as you have fun exploring your own backyard.

© Carol Wells, 2008