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Presidio of San FranciscoMilitary housing near Julius Kahn Park
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Presidio of San Francisco
Turkey Vulture
(Cathartes aura)
 
Turkey Vulture
Will Elder, NPS
A Turkey Vulture above Inspiration Point.
 

Natural History: The Turkey Vulture eats carrion of all sizes. It finds dead animals by both sight and scent. This communal roosting bird is not known to breed in the Presidio.

General Distribution: This bird is found throughout the Presidio, often soaring above the forest or more open lands.

Frequency: This species is moderately common throughout the year in the Presidio.

Identifying Characteristics: This very large bird, when seen from below, has dark, two-tone wings with silver-gray flight feathers and black leading edges. The head is bald and red, and the beak is white. Its nature is to soar with seldom a flap of the wings.

Presidio Birds main page

San Francisco Campion, a rare plant found in the Presidio  

Did You Know?
Thirteen plants found at the Presidio have been designated as rare, threatened, or endangered by the United States Fish & Wildlife Service and/or the California Native Plant Society.

Last Updated: November 16, 2007 at 17:22 EST