There are two types of vultures or buzzards that are problems in the US:
1. Turkey Vulture
2. Black Vulture
Turkey Vulture
Cathartes aura -called buzzards in many areas
Range
The summer season range of Turkey Vultures is all the continental United States. Winter range for the Turkey Vulture is the area within 200 miles of the Gulf of Mexico. Turkey Vultures are a truly migratory bird species. 50% to 75% of the Turkey Vulture population migrates annually to move north for nesting. Turkey Vultures are protected as a migratory bird. Killing them is unnecessary and only done by persons without the knowledge to control them in a professional non lethal manner. See more on controlling turkey vultures.
Overnight Roosting Behavior on Structures
Turkey Vultures will usually roost overnight on cell or electric towers or electric substations. Turkey vultures will also roost overnight on buildings near the edge of the roof, ledges wider than 6”, and they will also spend the night on trellises or balcony overhangs with beams on which they can get a comfortable grasp with their feet and claws. In the winter, turkey vultures will hide from the north wind or cold drafts. This means they will move to different sides of a structure depending on the weather and temperature.
Nesting Behavior
Turkey Vultures will nest on the ground or near the ground in wooded areas with a safe entry and exit for frequently flying and quick return to the nest. They will also roost on ledges and trees on some occasions. At times, vultures will nest in vacant structures or other large nests left by hawk or eagles. Usually, the nest is in a wooded area somewhat isolated from humans. Nesting spots are typically reused year after year.
Daytime Loafing Behavior
Turkey Vultures will loaf during the day on elevated areas they consider safe. Loafing is most prevalent for a couple hours just after sunrise and just prior to sunset. Loafing is prevalent on the taller structures in an area that provide a good vantage point or spot for sunning. Sunning is when they spread their wings while loafing and absorb heat. They will also spread their wings while loafing on a structure in order to take a bath during a light rainfall.
Feeding Behavior
Turkey Vultures feed almost exclusively on dead animals. Their sense of smell is incredible and Black Vultures will follow the Turkey Vultures to the dead animals for their feeding.
Controlling Turkey Vultures
The best way to control turkey vultures on structures is electric barrier. Because spring tension electric barrier lasts up to 5 times longer than flat electric barriers, the reader can do their own financial calculations. Vultures in flocks can be controlled by experienced bird control professionals that understand how to relocate migratory bird flocks. Vultures like most migratory birds will adapt or habituate to most devices that are left in one place for more than a few weeks. The only device vultures will not adapt to is being mildly shocked by an electric barrier. Vultures and other birds cannot adapt to being shocked. If the electric barrier is installed correctly and placed correctly it will work virtually 100% of the time. Again, spring tension electric barriers are the best choice because they can last 30 years or more.
Some devices that work for a few days are wind driven motion devices that reflect sunlight, motion activated sprinklers, hazers, foggers, sprays with methyl anthranilate, and other bird harassment techniques. Vultures will adapt to any measure that is left in one place, which means devices that are only psychological threats will have limited results overtime. Because vultures, like other birds, tend to be perpetual, it takes a long time to change patterns developed over years. Permanent barriers like nets and spring tension electric barrier are the smartest investment to permanently get rid of vultures.
The above information was sourced in part from several sites including: allaboubirds.org, worldbook.com, britannica.com, Wikipedia.com, audbon.org, birdweb.org, peregrinefund.org, nationalgeographic.org, arkive.org, hawkmountain.org, whatbird.com, encyclopediacenter.com
Black Vultures
Coragyps atratus- called buzzards in many areas
Range
Year-round range of the Black Vulture is from New Jersey to Florida to West Texas and most of the southeastern United States. Black Vultures may migrate south towards the Gulf of Mexico in the winter. Approximately, 50% to 80% of the Black Vulture population migrates toward warmer areas farther south and nearer to the Gulf of Mexico in the winter months.
Overnight Roosting Behavior on Structures
Like Turkey Vultures, Black Vultures will usually roost overnight on cellular, electric transmission towers, or near electric substations. Again, like Turkey Vultures, Black vultures will also roost overnight on buildings near the parapet, wider ledges, and on beams and trellises on which they can get a comfortable hold. In the winter, Black Vultures will hide in groups from the cold north wind. This means they will move in large numbers to different sides of a structure depending on the weather and temperature.
Nesting Behavior
Black Vultures will nest in wooded areas on or near the ground, with a safe access for quick entering and leaving for feeding the young. They will also roost on rocky ledges, cliffs, and trees. At times, vultures will nest in vacant structures. Usually, the nest is in a heavily wooded area not to far from open fields where it is easy to search for food. Nesting spots may be returned to year after year.
Daytime Loafing Behavior
Black Vultures will loaf during the day on elevated structures with a safe exit. Loafing usually occurs for a few hours just after sunrise and just prior to sunset while gathering for the evening roost. Loafing may be prevalent on the tallest structures in an area. Like Turkey Vultures, the Black Vultures will loaf in areas that are good for sunning.
Feeding Behavior
Black Vultures feed almost exclusively on dead animals. Their sense of smell is not keen and they will follow Turkey Vultures to food sources.
Controlling Black Vultures
Controlling Black Vultures is almost identical to controlling Turkey Vultures.
The above information was sourced in part from allaboubirds.org, worldbook.com, britannica.com, Wikipedia.com, audbon.org, birdweb.org, peregrinefund.org, nationalgeographic.org, arkive.org, hawkmountain.org, whatbird.com, encyclopediacenter.com