National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Presidio of San FranciscoMilitary housing near Julius Kahn Park
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
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

Fort Point, once called  

Did You Know?
In 1882, the fort now known as Fort Point was given the name "Fort Winfield Scott", a name it retained for four years before being downgraded to a sub-post of the Presidio. In 1912, the name was reused for the new coast artillery post at the Presidio, today's Fort Scott.

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