Turkey vultures use battery acid-like vomit to fend off predators

Turkey vultures, native to southern Canada and extending to southernmost South America, are remarkable scavenging birds known for their unique feeding habits. These birds primarily consume carcasses, avoiding the risks associated with hunting live prey. Their diet consists of decaying meat, which can harbor deadly toxins such as anthrax and botulism. To safely process these toxins, turkey vultures possess exceptionally strong digestive acids, exceeding the acidity found in human stomachs by a significant factor. This enables them to consume decaying meat without harm, allowing them to thrive in a role that is crucial to the ecosystem. Despite their impressive size, with wingspans reaching approximately 5.5 feet, turkey vultures are not without their own threats. Larger birds of prey, including eagles, owls, and hawks, often hunt them. As a defense mechanism, turkey vultures have developed a unique and highly effective means of deterring these potential predators. When they feel threatened, they can projectile vomit a foul, acidic substance that can sting the eyes and skin of an attacker. Remarkably, they can eject this vomit with a range of up to 10 feet, giving them a chance to escape while distracting their would-be assailants. In addition to their defense strategies, turkey vultures also employ their bodily fluids for other vital functions. In high temperatures, they urinate and defecate on their own feet to cool down. This behavior is not merely for temperature regulation; it serves a dual purpose. The vultures’ digestive acids function as antiseptic agents, effectively neutralizing bacteria after they have been in contact with carrion. This adaptation allows them to avoid infections that could arise from scavenging behaviors, further illustrating their evolutionary success. Ecosystem studies have demonstrated the significant role turkey vultures play in reducing environmental hazards. By consuming carcasses before they decompose completely, vultures prevent the release of greenhouse gases that would otherwise contribute to climate change. Estimates highlight that these scavengers help mitigate tens of millions of metric tons of carbon emissions each year, underlining their importance in ecological balance. While these birds engage in social behaviors, including living in groups and foraging together, their lack of a syrinx means they communicate with grunts and hisses instead of typical birdsong, which is an interesting aspect of their behavior.