How long does a turkey vulture live in the wild?

The average turkey vulture lifespan in the wild is approximately 12 years.

How long do turkey vulture nests live in the wild?

A turkey vulture's life span is about 20 years in the wild. A turkey vulture born during spring in North America can reach sexual maturity in its first year, but it usually takes two or three years. The maximum lifespan recorded for a turkey vulture is around 24 years.

How long do turkey vultures live in captivity?

It is unknown how long the average turkey vulture lives in captivity. However, in the wild, they can live up to 20 years. In captivity, they generally live about 10 years.

How long does a turkey vulture live?

Though much is still unknown about the turkey vulture’s life expectancy, this species is known to live about 20 years in the wild. In captivity, they may live up to 40 years.

How to tell if a turkey vulture is young?

To check if a turkey vulture is young, look for a small, almost triangular, white rump patch. This mark usually develops between the end of the third and beginning of the sixth week of a turkey vulture’s life, which is when they leave the nest. During the first three weeks of life, the rump patch is usually covered by a thick, black down. After the patch appears, it grows and becomes lighter and lighter until it reaches adulthood.